Drinking Water Report 2014

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland. We are committed to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and pollution.

The work of the EPA can be divided into three main areas:

Regulation: We implement effective regulation and environmental compliance systems to deliver good environmental outcomes and target those who don’t comply.

Knowledge: We provide high quality, targeted and timely environmental data, information and assessment to inform decision making at all levels.

Advocacy: We work with others to advocate for a clean, productive and well protected environment and for sustainable environmental behaviour.

Our Responsibilities

LicensingWe regulate the following activities so that they do not endanger human health or harm the environment:• waste facilities (e.g. landfills, incinerators, waste transfer stations); • large scale industrial activities (e.g. pharmaceutical, cement

manufacturing, power plants); • intensive agriculture (e.g. pigs, poultry); • the contained use and controlled release of Genetically

Modified Organisms (GMOs); • sources of ionising radiation (e.g. x-ray and radiotherapy

equipment, industrial sources);• large petrol storage facilities; • waste water discharges;• dumping at sea activities.

National Environmental Enforcement • Conducting an annual programme of audits and inspections

of EPA licensed facilities.• Overseeing local authorities’ environmental

protection responsibilities.• Supervising the supply of drinking water by public water

suppliers.• Working with local authorities and other agencies

to tackle environmental crime by co-ordinating a national enforcement network, targeting offenders and overseeing remediation.

• Enforcing Regulations such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and substances that deplete the ozone layer.

• Prosecuting those who flout environmental law and damage the environment.

Water Management• Monitoring and reporting on the quality of rivers, lakes,

transitional and coastal waters of Ireland and groundwaters; measuring water levels and river flows.

• National coordination and oversight of the Water Framework Directive.

• Monitoring and reporting on Bathing Water Quality.

Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on the Environment • Monitoring air quality and implementing the EU Clean Air

for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive.• Independent reporting to inform decision making by

national and local government (e.g. periodic reporting on the State of Ireland’s Environment and Indicator Reports).

Regulating Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions• Preparing Ireland’s greenhouse gas inventories and projections.• Implementing the Emissions Trading Directive, for over 100

of the largest producers of carbon dioxide in Ireland.

Environmental Research and Development • Funding environmental research to identify pressures,

inform policy and provide solutions in the areas of climate, water and sustainability.

Strategic Environmental Assessment • Assessing the impact of proposed plans and programmes on

the Irish environment (e.g. major development plans).

Radiological Protection• Monitoring radiation levels, assessing exposure of people in

Ireland to ionising radiation.• Assisting in developing national plans for emergencies arising

from nuclear accidents.• Monitoring developments abroad relating to nuclear installations

and radiological safety. • Providing, or overseeing the provision of, specialist radiation

protection services.

Guidance, Accessible Information and Education• Providing advice and guidance to industry and the public on

environmental and radiological protection topics.• Providing timely and easily accessible environmental

information to encourage public participation in environmental decision-making (e.g. My Local Environment, Radon Maps).

• Advising Government on matters relating to radiological safety and emergency response.

• Developing a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan to prevent and manage hazardous waste.

Awareness Raising and Behavioural Change• Generating greater environmental awareness and influencing

positive behavioural change by supporting businesses, communities and householders to become more resource efficient.

• Promoting radon testing in homes and workplaces and encouraging remediation where necessary.

Management and structure of the EPA The EPA is managed by a full time Board, consisting of a Director General and five Directors. The work is carried out across five Offices:• Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use • Office of Environmental Enforcement • Office of Environmental Assessment • Office of Radiological Protection• Office of Communications and Corporate Services The EPA is assisted by an Advisory Committee of twelve members who meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and provide advice to the Board.

© Environmental Protection Agency 2015

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this publication,

complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor the authors

accept any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage occasioned or claimed to have been occasioned,

in part or in full, as a consequence of any person acting or refraining from acting, as a result of a matter

contained in this publication.

All or part of this publication may be reproduced without further permission, provided the source is

acknowledged.

Drinking Water Report 2014

Authors: Yvonne Doris, Cliona Ni Eidhin, Michelle Roche, Darragh Page, Derval Devaney and Aoife

Loughnane.

The authors would also like to thank Ruth Barrington, Niall Dunne, John Doheny and the NFGWS for their

assistance.

Published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland

Environmental Protection Agency

An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil

P.O. Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford, Ireland

Telephone: +353 53 9160600 Fax: +353 53 9160699

E-mail: info@epa.ie Website: www.epa.ie

LoCall: 1890 335599

ISBN: 978-1-84095-608-5

Contents Key Findings for 2014 .................................................................................................................................... 1

Section 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2

Section 1.1: Background to the Drinking Water Report ............................................................................ 2

Section 1.2: Management of Drinking Water Supplies ............................................................................. 2

Section 1.3: Regulation of Drinking Water Supplies .................................................................................. 3

Section 2: Public Supplies .............................................................................................................................. 5

Section 2.1: Quality of Public Supplies ...................................................................................................... 5

Section 2.2: Water Restrictions and Boil Notices ...................................................................................... 9

Section 2.3: Security of Public Supplies ................................................................................................... 10

Section 2.5: Enforcement of Public Supplies ........................................................................................... 12

Section 2.5.1 Exceedances of legal parametric limits in Public Water Supplies ................................. 12

Section 2.5.2 Remedial Action List ...................................................................................................... 15

Section 2.5.3 Audits ............................................................................................................................. 18

Section 2.5.4 Directions and Prosecutions .......................................................................................... 21

Section 3: Private Supplies .......................................................................................................................... 24

Section 3.1: Quality and Safety of Regulated Private Supplies ............................................................... 24

Section 3.2: Enforcement and Security of Regulated Private Supplies ................................................... 26

Section 3.3: Exempted Private Supplies .................................................................................................. 26

Section 4: Concluding Remarks and Recommended Actions ...................................................................... 28

Section 4.1: Public Water Supplies .......................................................................................................... 28

Section 4.2: Private Water Supplies ........................................................................................................ 31

Section 4.3: Exempted Supplies (individual private supplies) ................................................................. 31

Section 5: Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 32

1

Key Findings for 2014

•99.90 % of samples comply with microbiological parameters.

•99.44 % of samples comply with chemical parameters.

•199 Boil Notices and 15 Water Restriction Notices affected 205,516 people. Of these, 158 short-term, precautionary boil notices related to Storm Darwin.

•E. coli was detected at least once in 8 supplies, down 2 on 2013.

•The Trihalomethanes limit was exceeded in 59 supplies, down 2 on 2013.

•35% of results were reported as accredited. From 2016 all results should be from laboratories accredited for the parameters tested.

Public Water Supplies

•Since 2008, the EPA has listed 456 supplies on its Remedial Action List.

•335 were resolved at the end of 2014.

•77 % of the original 339 RAL supplies are no longer on the RAL.

•121 supplies, serving 937,247 people, were on the RAL at the end of 2014.

Remedial Action List

•The microbiological quality of private supplies, while improving, remains inferior to public supplies.

•97.26 % of samples comply with microbiological parameters.

•99.54 % of samples comply with chemical parameters.

•E. coli detected at least once in 76 small private supplies and 24 private group water schemes.

Private Water

Supplies

•236,124 sample results were reported to the EPA.

•606 notifications of exceedances of the standards were investigated by the EPA.

•62 audits of public supplies were conducted by the EPA.

•29 directions were issued by the EPA in 2014 (up from 16 in 2013).

•More than a third of supplies audited required disinfection system improvements.

Enforcement Issues

•Eliminate long-term Boil Water Notices by improving disinfection standards.

•Implement the National Lead Strategy.

•Optimise chemical dosing and improve treatment to reduce THM exceedances.

•Prioritise RAL schemes for improvement / investment.

•Protect sources and abstraction points.

•Develop Drinking Water Safety Plans.

Priority Actions

2

Section 1: Introduction

Section 1.1: Background to the Drinking Water Report This report provides an overview of the quality of drinking water in Ireland during 2014. The report covers

both public and private drinking water supplies. 2014 is the first year that Uisce Éireann : Irish Water was

responsible for the management of public drinking water supplies.

This report is based on the EPA’s assessment of the 236,124 sample results reported to the EPA by Irish

Water and local authorities for public water supplies and private water supplies. For 2014 Irish Water was

responsible for public water supplies. The local authorities continue to be the supervisory authorities for

private water supplies.

The drinking water regulations (S.I. 122 of 2014) provide the EPA with supervisory powers for public water

supplies. The EPA can direct Irish Water to improve the management or quality of a public water supply.

Under the regulations Irish Water must notify the EPA of drinking water non-compliances or risk to public

health from a public water supply.

The core principle of the EPA’s regulation of drinking water supplies is to ensure supplies are “safe” and

“secure”. Safety of supplies covers testing to ensure that the water quality meets the drinking water

standards. Drinking water security means taking a proactive approach and involves examining the treatment

in place, management systems, risks to the supply and remedial measures to ensure a constant and reliable

supply of safe drinking water.

Irish Water is responsible for ensuring that drinking water is wholesome and clean and meets the requirements of the Drinking Water Regulations. The EPA is the drinking water quality regulator for public water supplies and works to ensure that drinking water supplied by Irish Water meets the standards of the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014.

Section 1.2: Management of Drinking Water Supplies A drinking water supply includes the abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water from source to

consumers. Ireland has a large number of public and private supplies (3,664) for a relatively small

population, compared to other EU countries. Ireland has 973 public water supplies in comparison to

Scotland’s 290 supplies for a similar population size. Managing Ireland’s water supplies is complex due to the

number and variation in types of supply - geographical location, size, treatment processes, management,

consumers, ownership issues, distribution networks and a historical lack of investment. This variation in the

characteristics of supplies needs detailed local knowledge, process expertise and a responsive management

approach.

Irish

Water

3

Drinking Water Supply Types in Ireland

Supply Type Supplier/Supplying No. of Supplies Population (%) Supervisory Authority

Public Water Supplies Irish Water 973 81.9 EPA

Public Group Schemes Local Group 512 1.9 Local Authorities

Private Group Schemes Local Group 421 4.2 Local Authorities

Small Private Supplies Commercial/public activity 1,758 0.9 Local Authorities

Exempted Supplies1 Individual supplier 170,000* 11.1 Exempted

*estimated number of private wells or boreholes

81.5% of Ireland’s drinking water is sourced from surface water (i.e. river and lakes), which varies in quality.

11.5% is sourced from groundwater and 7% is sourced from springs.

Public Water Supplies vary in size from one or two houses to over 245,000 people on a single supply. Larger

supplies tend to have more infrastructure, treatment processes, management controls and resources while

smaller rural ones tend to have less. Managing the variation in each supply, the different treatment

processes and infrastructural issues is challenging.

Managing distribution networks to maintain good water quality is also challenging and depends on training,

expertise, resources and water demand. Reservoirs and networks need cleaning and this work has to be

balanced with consumer demand and maintaining pressure. New connections, bursts, leaks, old lead pipes

and repairs pose risk of contamination. Long storage times in reservoirs affect disinfection and risks bacterial

regrowth. Distribution networks vary in design (grids, loops, branches) and length. Inadequate disinfection

can occur in short networks or stagnant water in long ones. Pipework in Public Water Supplies is owned by

the water supplier up to the stopcock or meter but from there to the tap is the ownership and responsibility

of the property owner or householder.

The EPA has published a wide range of guidance and technical advice notes available at www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/ in relation to the management of supplies. Published advice covers source protection, borehole construction, chemical treatment, disinfection, service reservoirs and lead pipes.

The advice published by the EPA covers the technical water treatment aspects of what needs to be improved

in relation to source protection, treatment and distribution systems. For drinking water supplies to be

deemed secure, the water supplier should profile and manage the risks identified for the supply using the

Water Safety Plan (WSP) approach. Water Safety Plans are discussed in more detail in Section 2.3.

Section 1.3: Regulation of Drinking Water Supplies The EPA can direct Irish Water to improve the management or quality of a public water supply. The local

authorities have a similar supervisory role in relation to group water schemes and private supplies.

Handbooks2 have been published by the EPA covering the implementation of the regulations for both public

and private supplies.

1 Exempted supply means a supply of water which (a)(i) constitutes an individual supply of less than 10 cubic metres a

day on average or serves fewer than 50 persons, and (ii) is not supplied as part of a commercial or public activity, or (b) is used exclusively for purposes in respect of which the relevant supervisory authority is satisfied that the quality of the water has no influence, either directly or indirectly, on the health of the consumers concerned.

EPA Advice

4

EPA responsibilities, as the drinking water quality regulator, for drinking water include the following:

Enforcing the Drinking Water Regulations for public supplies;

Investigating notifications of failures to meet the drinking water standards and ensuring necessary

action is taken to correct problems;

Auditing public drinking water treatment plants;

Issuing Directions where necessary to ensure action is taken to fix problems;

Investigating drinking water quality complaints not resolved by the water supplier;

Publishing an annual report on the quality of drinking water in Ireland.

Local Authority responsibilities for drinking water include the following:

Enforcing the Drinking Water Regulations for private supplies;

Investigating notifications of failures to meet the drinking water standards and ensuring that private

water suppliers are taking the necessary action to correct problems;

Auditing private drinking water treatment plants;

Issuing Directions to private water suppliers where necessary to ensure action is taken to fix

problems;

Investigating drinking water quality complaints not resolved by the water supplier.

From 2014, local authorities also continue to operate, manage and maintain treatment plants and

distribution networks for public supplies under service level agreements with Irish Water.

Irish Water is responsible for providing and developing water services. Irish Water took over responsibility

for the operation of public water supplies from the Local Authorities from 1st January 2014. Irish Water

responsibilities include:

Management of national water assets and maintenance of the water system;

Investment, planning and managing capital projects;

Enforcing the Drinking Water Regulations for public supplies where failures occur in public buildings;

Customer care and billing.

The Health Service Executive also has a statutory role under the drinking water regulations3. Irish Water and

local authorities (for private supplies) must consult with the HSE in relation to drinking water exceedances or

instances where there is a public health risk. Where Irish Water or the local authority (in consultation with

the HSE) considers that the exceedance, risk or treatment failure constitutes a potential danger to human

health, Irish Water or the local authority (subject to agreement of the HSE) must inform consumers promptly

and provide the necessary advice.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is the independent economic regulator for public water

services. Their role is to protect the interests of water customers, ensure water services are delivered in a

safe, secure and sustainable manner and that Irish Water operates in an economic and efficient manner. The

CER examines and challenges the costs of water and wastewater services and ensures that charges to

customers reflect only efficiently incurred costs. These charges contribute to Irish Water’s allowed revenue,

which the CER approves and monitors. The CER approves the codes of practice in place to protect customers

and provides a complaints resolution service to customers with an unresolved dispute with Irish Water.

2 Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/publicwatersupplieshandbook/ and

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/privatewatersupplieshandbook/ 3 Regulation 9 of European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014

5

Section 2: Public Supplies This section of the report presents the EPA findings on the quality and management of 973 Public Water

Supplies operating in 2014. This number is down from the 978 public supplies covered in the report for 2013

as supplies are merged by Irish Water. Since 1st January 2014 public supplies are the responsibility of Irish

Water.

Further Information

All 2014 monitoring results are available at: http://erc.epa.ie/safer/iso19115/displayISO19115.jsp?isoID=3080.

Current information on drinking water monitoring results can be accessed via Irish Water’s website at

http://www.water.ie/about-us/environment-and-community/water-quality/.

Historic information on drinking water monitoring results and water supply details for each county (dating back to the

year 2000) is available on the EPA’s SAFER (Secure Archive for Environmental Research Data) web-page at

http://erc.epa.ie/safer/resourcelisting.jsp?oID=10206&username=EPA%20Drinking%20Water.

Irish Water’s code of practice on complaint handling is available at http://www.water.ie/our-customer-commitment/.

Section 2.1: Quality of Public Supplies 175,498 test results for public supplies were submitted to the EPA by Irish Water for

assessment. This monitoring was carried out as part of the annual monitoring programme

and is designed to provide information on the quality of drinking water. Irish Water is

required to ensure that the monitoring programmes meet the monitoring requirements of

the drinking water regulations and must be representative of the quality of the water

consumed throughout the year, and be equally distributed through the supply. The overall

compliance rate for these public supplies, based on samples analysed, was 99.90 % for

Microbiological parameters, 99.44 % for Chemical parameters and 99.25 % for Indicator

parameters. This compares to 2013 figures of 99.82 % for Microbiological parameters, 99.51 % for

Chemical parameters and 98.81% for Indicator parameters. A summary of compliance with

the limits (termed ‘parametric values’ in the Regulations) is set out in Appendix 1 (Public Water Supplies).

An explanation of the significance of each of the parameters described in the report is available at

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/parameterappendix.html.

Appendix 7 sets out the overall compliance rate for microbiological and chemical parameters by county.

9554 supplies were fully compliant for E. coli, 8 samples (8 supplies) failed the E. coli standard and 4

samples (4 supplies) failed the Enterococci standard.

All supplies were 100% compliant for 15 of the 235 chemical parameters. Of the remaining parameters: 1 sample failed the chemical parameters Antimony, Copper6 and PAH.

8 samples (4 supplies) failed the Nitrate standard.

39 samples (31 supplies) failed the Lead standard.

37 samples (24 supplies) failed the Fluoride standard.

4 samples (4 supplies) failed the Pesticide-Total standard.

106 samples (59 supplies) failed the Trihalomethanes standard.

4 10 supplies were not sampled for E.coli.

5 The individual pesticide parameter is calculated separately.

6 A failure of the Copper standard is an indication of internal copper plumbing in a building or property rather than a

problem with the water supply served to that building/property.

6

The majority of the failures set out in Appendix 1 relate to “indicator” parameters. Indicator parameters are

designed to provide information on the management of the treatment process, the look, taste and smell of

the water. A value reported to exceed the limit for an indicator parameter should not, automatically, be

considered a cause for concern but a guide for the water supplier to initiate an investigation into the cause

of the elevated level of the particular parameter.

36% of these test results were reported as accredited results, reduced from 44% in 2013. From 2016 all

results submitted to the EPA must be accredited in accordance with the Drinking Water Handbook on the

Implementation of the Regulations for Public water Supplies7.

Compliance with Key Microbiological and Chemical Parameters in Public Water Supplies

E. coli

99.2%

supplies complied with

the standard in 2014.

8

supplies failed in 2014,

an improvement of

two from 2013.

1,929

population subject to a boil

water notice for E. coli in

2014.

84.6%

reduction in E. coli

detections since 2007.

The most important health indicators of drinking water quality are the microbiological parameters and in

particular, E. coli. The presence of E.coli indicates that the disinfection treatment process is not operating

adequately or that contamination has entered the water distribution system after treatment. Craane (Bree)

serving 24 people in Co. Wexford had the highest E. coli (34.4) count in a single sample. A boil notice was in

place until source protection works were completed and chlorine disinfection was installed.

Disinfection controls need to be reviewed and standardised to ensure compliance with the E. coli

standard in public supplies. The EPA has published an Advice Note on E. coli in Drinking Water available

at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteadvicenoteno3.html and

a Water Treatment Manual on Disinfection available at

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/watertreatmentmanualdisinfection.html.

Figure 1: Trend in the number of public supplies where E. coli was detected.

7 available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/publicwatersupplieshandbook/

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2007* 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

*EPA became quality regulator for public water supplies with enforcement powers

7

Cryptosporidium (non-mandatory parameter)

691 tests

submitted in 2014.

7 supplies, serving 18,352 people, on Boil Water

Notice due to a risk from Cryptosporidium.

187,804 population on 36 supplies listed on

the RAL for risk from Cryptosporidium at the end of

2014.

6 directions issued for

Roscommon supplies at risk from

Cryptosporidium.

Cryptosporidium is not one of the 48 parameters listed in the drinking water regulations, for which monitoring is specified. However, the EPA has through the EPA Advice Note No. 9: Cryptosporidium

Sampling and Monitoring8 provided guidance on Cryptosporidium monitoring. Prior to the enactment of the Drinking Water Regulations 2014, the notification of Cryptosporidium

detections was only required in cases where the local authority, in consultation with the HSE, considered the supply a potential danger to human health. This requirement has now changed and under the 2014

regulations. Irish Water must notify the EPA of any detection of pathogenic micro-organisms or parasites, including Cryptosporidium, in the supply.

Fluoride Irish Water, on behalf of the HSE, implements the fluoridation of public water supplies. It is a legal requirement under

the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act and is a matter for the Department of Health and Children to legislate

for. The Minister for Health and Children has established an Expert Body on Fluorides and Health charged with

responsibility for advising the Minister on this topic. Details are available at www.fluoridesandhealth.ie.

The role of the EPA is to enforce the legal standards in the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 and

where the standard is breached to ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken. In the case of fluoride the

Drinking Water Regulations set a lower limit of 0.6 mg/l and an upper limit of 0.8 mg/l. The standard in Ireland is more

stringent than the EU Drinking Water Directive standard of 1.5 mg/l and the narrow range of compliance is difficult to

achieve. In 2014, 37 samples (24 supplies) failed the national standard of 0.8 mg/l for Fluoride. No supply failed the EU

standard of 1.5 mg/l in 2014. In 2013, 33 samples (27 supplies) failed the national standard and one sample failed the

European standard.

8 Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenote-advicenoteno9.html

Trihalomethanes (THM)

90.7% compliance with the

Trihalomethanes standard.

59 supplies exceeded the 100 µg/l standard - the majority are in Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow.

20 of these 59 supplies

had Trihalomethanes greater than 150 µg/l.

255µg/l was the highest result found in NERWSS, Co.

Roscommon.

Trihalomethanes are by-products of the chlorination (disinfection) process. These compounds are undesirable in drinking water and their presence should be minimised while not compromising disinfection. The causes of exceedances should be examined, with optimisation of plant treatment and network needed

to reduce levels. A joint EPA-HSE fact sheet for consumers on THMs is available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/trihalomethanesjointpositionstatement.html.

An advice note on Disinfection By-Products for water suppliers is also available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteadvicenoteno4.html.

A national strategy is necessary to ensure natural organic matter is removed through appropriate effective treatment, that disinfection is optimised and water age in reservoirs and distribution networks

is managed to achieve compliance with the THM standard.

8

Pesticides

0.5µg/l

is the standard for Total Pesticides and was not exceeded in the supplies tested.

0.1µg/l the standard for

individual pesticides was exceeded in 24 supplies

41 the number of

samples exceeding the individual pesticide

standard.

MCPA was the pesticide (herbicide)

detected in 22 of these supplies.

The individual pesticide limit was exceeded in 41 samples taken from 24 supplies in 2014; 5 supplies were in Limerick and notably, these 5 supplies account for half of the total number of exceeding samples. There is a seasonal pattern in the detection of MCPA exceedance in May/June/July and again in September/October. These are typically the months during which it is applied to grassland for ragwort, rush and thistle control.

Source protection measures must be implemented to protect drinking water sources from pesticide contamination; this requires a catchment based approach including information, education and

enforcement. Information leaflets and guidance on the safe use of pesticides is available at http://www.epa.ie/water/dw/sourceprotection/. A national strategy is necessary to achieve compliance

with the pesticides standards.

The nitrates standard of 50 mg/l was exceeded in four supplies - two of these supplies are in Co. Laois and two in Co.

Waterford. Both of the Waterford supplies had a water restriction in place for nitrates during 2014. At the end of the

year, one of these notices remained in place.

Compliance with Key Indicator Parameters in Public Water Supplies

The aluminium standard of 200 µg/l was exceeded in 32 supplies during 2014 compared to 40 in 2013 and

46 in 2012. Aluminium is present in drinking water as a result of its use as aluminium sulphate (a coagulant)

in the water treatment process, though can be naturally present in some waters. Historically, there has been

some concern about possible links between aluminium in drinking water and Alzheimer’s disease. However,

the WHO states that: “On the whole, the positive relationship between aluminium in drinking water and

9 Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteno2.html

Lead

95.7%

of supplies comply with the Lead

standard.

10µg/l the standard for Lead was exceeded in 31 supplies in

2014.

4,671 the population on a water restriction for

lead in 2014.

39 samples taken during

2014 exceeded the Lead standard.

Lead pipes still exist in the distribution network both on the private side and the public side. Measures include optimisation of the treatment process to reduce plumbosolvency but the sustainable approach to

comprehensively deal with lead exceedances is to remove lead pipes. Actions required to address lead issues are covered in the EPA Advice Note Number 2 published in 2009 on “Action programmes to restore

the quality of drinking water impacted by lead pipes and lead plumbing”9.

A National Lead Strategy was published by the Government in June 2015 and is available at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterSectorReform/News/MainBody,41734,en.htm

Irish Water published a Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Plan – Issues Paper in June 2015 and is available at http://www.water.ie/about-us/project-and-plans/lead-mitigation-plan/Lead-Mitigation-

Plan-Issues-Paper.pdf

9

Alzheimer’s disease which was demonstrated in several epidemiological studies, cannot be totally discounted.

However, strong reservations about inferring a causal relationship are warranted in view of the failure of

these studies to account for demonstrated confounding factors and for the total aluminium intake from all

sources”. In recognition of poor coagulation processes observed during audits of treatment plants the EPA

published Advice Note 15 – Optimisation of Chemical Coagulation Dosing in 201410.

The turbidity limit of 1.0 NTU at the treatment plant was exceeded in 16 supplies compared to 30 in 2013.

The control of turbidity is one of the indicators of the efficiency of treatment at the plant. Elevated levels of

turbidity in the treated water indicate that the treatment process is not operating adequately. It also

provides a good indication of whether the treatment plant is capable of removing Cryptosporidium oocysts.

While the parametric value for turbidity (at the tap) is that the water must be “acceptable to consumers and

[there must be] no abnormal change” there is a parametric value for turbidity (for water leaving the

treatment plant) of 1.0 NTU. In practice turbidity levels need to be much lower and should not exceed 0.2

NTU and preferably be below 0.1 NTU to be protective against Cryptosporidium breakthrough in the

treatment plant. Technical guidance for operators on the importance of reducing turbidity has been

published by the EPA in the EPA Water Treatment Manual on Disinfection and in the EPA Advice Note No 5 -

Turbidity in Drinking Water7.

Section 2.2: Water Restrictions and Boil Notices Where drinking water exceeds the standard or where the water supplier considers there is a risk to public

health, the water supplier must consult with the Health Service Executive to determine whether the supply

should be prohibited or restricted, and where this is the case consumers must be informed promptly. Where

the HSE considers the quality of water intended for human consumption constitutes a potential danger to

human health, they recommend to the water supplier that a Water Restriction Notice and/or a Boil Notice is

issued by the water provider. Similarly, these notices are removed from supplies, in consultation with the

Health Service Executive, when the problem is resolved by the water supplier.

During 2014 there were 199 boil water notices and 15 water restriction notices active in 17 counties

affecting 205,516 people. By comparison, in 2013 there were 57 boil water notices and 12 water restriction

notices active in 16 counties affecting 35,831 people. Storm Darwin in February 2014 affected 158 supplies

serving 171,804 people in the south-west of the country, which were placed on precautionary boil notices

for between 1 and 5 days. By the end of 2014, 18 Boil notices and 9 Water Restriction Notices in 14 counties

remained in place affecting 27,481 people. Notices can apply to all or part of a supply and last from several

days to several years depending on the scale of works necessary to solve the issue. In some cases notices are

precautionary in nature due to inadequate treatment or failure of the disinfection system, whereas in other

cases notices are put in place because E. coli or Cryptosporidium is detected. Also, several of the water

restrictions relate to the presence of lead pipes. Appendix 5 lists the notices in place during 2014.

As of 30 September 2015, there were 16 supplies on Boil Water Notices affecting a population of 6,093

and 12 supplies on Water Restrictions affecting a population of 3,237 in 14 counties.

Storm Darwin On the 12

th of February 2014 a storm depression crossed Ireland bringing with it extreme weather conditions to most

areas. Many of the country’s meteorological stations measured the highest rainfall on record during so-called Storm

Darwin with areas in the West, South, Midlands and East recording double or triple their long term average rainfall

levels. Winds peaked during the afternoon with hurricane force 12 winds recorded in the West. On the ground, there

was widespread, serious flooding and destruction of trees, property and infrastructure such as roads and electricity

networks. As the seriousness of the storm event unfolded, Irish Water, in consultation with the HSE, invoked its Severe

10 Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteno5.html

10

Weather Response issuing Precautionary Boil Water Notices on county wide basis in some cases. Notices were

attributed to various issues encountered such as loss of power, loss of communications with monitoring instruments,

inability to access treatment plants, and due to difficulties and safety concerns accessing remote or exposed areas.

None of the notices issued at this time were due to a confirmed water quality issue. Notices were communicated

promptly to consumers for the protection of health, as well as the safety of Irish Water employees and contractors. In

the wake of the storm and as severe weather abated, Irish Water agreed a protocol with the HSE for the lifting of

notices with the majority of notices being rescinded within a matter of days.

Section 2.3: Security of Public Supplies Many of the current problems seen in the water supply network result from under-investment and a reactive

management approach to water quality problems. In contrast, the Water Safety Plan (WSP) is a preventive,

management framework for safe drinking water that comprises system assessment and design, operational

monitoring and management plans (including documentation and communication). A WSP for each public

water supply facilitates continuous improvement in the security of the supply and protection of human

health. The aim of a WSP is to ensure the safety and security of a water supply by identifying and managing

risks. The concept of safe and secure is explained in Section 1.1. The EPA’s Advice Note No.8 – Developing

Drinking Water Safety Plans, provides guidance on the WSP approach.11

At the end of 2014 there were 53 Water Safety Plans in preparation and 6 completed compared to 66 in

preparation and 2 completed at the end of 2013, as reported by Irish Water.

The EPA recommends that a WSP is developed specifically for each drinking water supply and should be

considered as a risk management strategy to ensure the continuous supply of safe water. The EPA’s safe and

secure model (Figure 2) for the provision of water is consistent with the World Health Organisation’s WSP

approach that encompasses all potential hazardous events from the catchment to the consumer.

Figure 2: The Drinking Water Safety Plan Approach

11

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenote-advicenoteno8.html.

11

The EPA continues to encourage and support the development of WSPs as the most effective approach to

securing and safeguarding Ireland’s water services. In 2014, the EPA provided training on its WSP web tool to

local authorities’ water service staff and Irish Water. The EPA continues to progress WSP implementation

through support, guidance and sharing information on the preparation and implementation of WSPs.

Irish Water submitted a “Draft Drinking Water Safety Plan: Implementation Plan 2014-2016” to the EPA in

November 2014 and this will be used to drive improvements in the provision of drinking water and ensure

funding is provided to the supplies that need it most. Irish Water plans to complete DWSPs for 135 water

supply zones serving a population of 2,130,308 (57%) by the end of 2016. Figure 3 illustrates progress with

the implementation of DWSPs (completed, in preparation or to commence). This is an improvement from

2013 where 2 WSPs were completed.

Figure 3: DWSP Implementation Progress in September 2015 (population coverage, %)

Financial and resource requirements of water safety plans need to be addressed at the outset. Proper

implementation of the WSP approach can save money and better target resources in the longer term. The

output of WSP risk assessments should inform the Capital Investment Programme 2017-2021, which will

assist the targeting of investment towards priority (high risk) supplies.

Irish Water is now in a position to adopt the WSP approach for public water supplies, in collaboration with

stakeholders (e.g. agriculture and industry sectors, landowners, local government and customers working on

catchment protection measures) and work with them on risk reduction. A network of stakeholders should

actively facilitate effective communication, identify, agree and put in place controls and mitigation measures

and monitor their effectiveness. Implementation of the WSP approach and providing relevant information

on the WSP risk assessment will increase consumer and stakeholder confidence in the safety and security of

water supplies.

242,569 , 6%

977,154 , 26%

2,544,933 , 68%

6 schemes completed

53 schemes in preparation

914 Remaining schemes

12

Section 2.5: Enforcement of Public Supplies The drinking water regulations (S.I. 122 of 2014) provide the EPA with supervisory powers for public water

supplies. The EPA can direct Irish Water to improve the management or quality of a public water supply.

Under the regulations Irish Water must notify the EPA of drinking water non-compliances or risk to public

health from a public water supply. The EPA has published a handbook on the implementation of the

regulations to provide guidance to Irish Water. The EPA also publishes water treatment manuals and advice

notes to provide practical guidance to water suppliers. All of these documents are available at

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/.

Section 2.5.1 Exceedances of legal parametric limits in Public Water Supplies

The Drinking Water Regulations require water suppliers to ensure that any failure to meet the limits set in

the Regulations is immediately investigated to determine the cause of the failure. The water supplier must

notify the EPA of any such failure and relay the results of its investigations in accordance with the Drinking

Water Handbook on the Implementation of the Regulations for Public water Supplies12.

During 2014, the EPA received and assessed 606 notifications from Irish Water in relation to public water

supplies, up from 429 in 2013. In addition, 158 notifications of precautionary boil notices were received

following Storm Darwin where there was no detected failure to meet a parametric limit. A breakdown of the

number of public water supplies in which a microbiological or chemical parameter exceeded the standards in

2013 and 2014 and was subsequently notified to the EPA is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Number of Public Water Supplies where the microbiological or chemical exceedances were

notified to the EPA during 2013 and 2014.

Parameter No. of supplies with Notifications in 2013

No. of supplies with Notifications in 2014

Change since 2013

Microbiological E. coli 14 13 1 Enterococci 7 6 1 Chemical Antimony 2 1 1 Arsenic 1 0 1 Benzene 0 1 1 Benzo(a)pyrene 0 0 No change Bromate 1 1 No change Cadmium 0 0 No change Copper 6 7 1 Fluoride 3 2 1 Lead

13 12 47

14 35

Nickel 0 2 2 Nitrate 8 6 2 Nitrite (at tap) 1 0 1 PAH 0 3 3 Pesticides (individual) 17 28 11 Pesticides (Total) 0 3 3 Trihalomethanes (Total) 70 68 2

Improvement on 2013 Deterioration on 2013

12

available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/publicwatersupplieshandbook/ 13

Individual lead notifications may relate to more than one supply zone. 14

The statutory limit decreased from 25 µg/l to 10 µg/l on 25/12/2013 resulting in many more samples being deemed non-compliant in 2014.

13

A trend of improved public water supply compliance across 8 parameters can be seen during 2014. There

was no change in public water supplies’ performance in relation to 4 parameters and there was deterioration

in relation to 7 parameters. 5 parameters were not exceeded at all, in any supply. Overall, the year-on-year

trend from 2013 to 2014 was similar to the 2012 - 2013 year-on-year assessment period.

The number of supplies where the detection of E. coli was notified to the EPA reduced by 1 to 13 supplies

during 2014 compared to the previous year. Findings made during EPA audits in relation to disinfection

systems, however, highlight that meeting the minimum disinfection criteria remains an issue.

Chlorination is vital to make our water supplies safe from infectious microorganisms. The chlorination

process may also produce trihalomethanes (THM), undesirable by-products, under certain conditions. There

has been a small decrease in the number of public water supplies where THM failures were notified to the

EPA, however the number of supplies remaining is high at 68 and a significant improvement in the avoidance

of THM by-product production is required. Continued implementation of recommendations in the EPA

Advice Note No. 4 on Disinfection by-Products in Drinking Water15 is recommended to further manage THM

formation in supplies towards achieving compliance. A position paper developed by the Health Service

Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency on Trihalomethanes in 2011 provides a summary of the

issues in relation to trihalomethanes in drinking water including health, legislation and interventions16.

There was 1 bromate exceedance of the 10 µg/l limit in 2014 (Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry). Bromate is also a

disinfection by-product associated with the reaction of chlorine with bromide in the water. Irish Water has

switched to a low-bromate disinfectant and further bromate sampling is underway. There were no further

exceedances.

Nitrate levels above the parametric value of 50 mg/l were notified to the EPA for 6 supplies in 2014, a

decrease of 2 from the previous year. 4 of these supplies were groundwater supplies located in Co.

Waterford and 2 are groundwater supplies in Co. Laois. Two of the supplies in Co. Waterford were subject to

a restriction on use during 2014 following HSE advice. One restriction notice was rescinded during 2014 and

one notice remains in place with the issue yet to be resolved. The solutions provided by Irish Water for

supplies with elevated nitrates include either sourcing water from alternative supplies or the installation of

nitrate removal systems. Nitrate in springs and groundwater is attributed largely to the impact of diffuse

pollution from agricultural sources. A position paper developed by the Health Service Executive and the

Environmental Protection Agency on nitrate in 2010 provides a summary of the issues in relation to nitrate in

drinking water including health, legislation and interventions17.

The number of supplies affected by lead levels exceeding the standard was up significantly during 2014 to

47, compared to 12 during 2013 due to the limit decrease from 25 µg/l to 10 µg/l on 25/12/2013. In

addition, increased monitoring for lead in many areas contributed to the rise in exceedances. A national lead

strategy was published in June 201518. A position paper developed by the Health Service Executive and the

Environmental Protection Agency on lead in 2013 provides a summary of the issues in relation to lead in

drinking water including health, legislation and interventions19.

15

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteadvicenoteno4.html 16

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/trihalomethanesjointpositionstatement.html 17

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/nitratepositionpaper.html 18

Available at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterSectorReform/News/MainBody,41734,en.htm 19

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/leadpositionpaper.html

14

In 2014, 7 supplies were affected by copper levels exceeding the 2.0 mg/l limit, an increase of 1 from the

previous year. In all 7 supplies, the investigation undertaken by Irish Water discovered that the exceedances

were due to copper in the consumer’s own plumbing system. Irish Water in each case informed the property

owner of the findings of the investigation and either advised or directed, in the case of public use buildings,

that they remove the privately owned copper piping causing the problem.

Spotlight on Lead

The standard for lead in drinking water was reduced to 10µg/l from 25µg/l at the end of 2013 to reflect the public

health impact that lead can have, particularly on vulnerable users such as pregnant women, infants and young children.

The presence of lead in drinking water is as a result of water supply pipes and connections either made of lead or

containing lead materials and these can be both in the public supply network and within the private premises. Lead on

the public side up to the property boundary is the responsibility of Irish Water. Irish Water is also responsible for pipes

at the rear of some terraced houses where a looped shared service pipe is in place. Lead inside the property boundary

and after the stopvalve, is the responsibility of the property owner. Lead pipework is most likely to be present in

premises constructed before 1970.

In June 2015 the Government published a National Lead Strategy to reduce exposure to Lead in drinking water. The

strategy sets out the responsibilities in relation to reducing exposure to lead including:

Irish Water’s responsibility in relation to the quality of water in public supplies.

The owners of group schemes and private supplies are responsible for the quality of those supplies.

Property owner’s (public and private) responsibility in relation to the removal of lead pipework in those properties.

The EPA’s responsibility to regulate Irish Water as the drinking water quality regulator.

The local authorities’ responsibility to regulate group schemes and private supplies.

The stakeholder’s responsibility to consult with the HSE on the actions to be taken to protect human health in the event that drinking water poses a risk to public health.

Subsequent to the publication of the National Lead Strategy, Irish Water published a ‘Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation

Plan - Issues Paper’ as the first phase in the development of a national plan to address the issue of human exposure to

lead in drinking water. The Issues Paper was developed in consultation with the EPA and the HSE. The paper

communicates to the public the issues around the presence of lead in drinking water and enables public consultation on

Irish Water’s approach to addressing these issues. The Issues Paper outlines:

Irish Water’s plans to identify all properties that have or are likely to have lead pipework;

plans to risk assess these properties with the aim of prioritising higher risk areas; and

the mitigation options being considered including lead pipe replacement and orthophosphate dosing.

Where lead exceedances have been detected at a premises, Irish Water has

committed to replacing public side lead following customer replacement of

private side lead, if private side lead is present. Where no private side lead is

present Irish Water will prioritise the replacement of this public side within its

programme for removal. Irish Water has stated that it will take 10 years to

replace all public lead pipes and connections and that ortho-phosphate dosing

has been proposed as an interim measure to reduce lead exposure. A pilot

project to commence ortho-phosphate dosing was instigated in 2015 on the

Limerick City Public Water Supply. The effectiveness of ortho-phosphate dosing

in reducing lead levels will be monitored. Any change in ortho-phosphate

levels in the relevant waste water treatment plant discharges will be also be

monitored.

Lead mains replacement works underway in Mallow, Co. Cork.

15

A trend of increase in the number of public water supplies affected by pesticides exceedances continued

during 2014. Pesticide levels above the parametric value were detected in 28 schemes compared to 17 in

2013. As was observed during 2012 and 2013, the herbicide MCPA prevailed in the notifications received.

The Pesticides Working Group devised an awareness-raising campaign which was launched in the summer of

2014. The EPA with other stakeholders collaborated in a joint initiative with farmers to facilitate the removal

of farm hazardous waste including pesticides. Over a two year period approximately 32 tonnes of pesticides

was removed for disposal. The EPA intends to devise a household initiative to facilitate the removal of

hazardous waste from households and plans to continue the successful farm hazardous waste scheme into

2016.

The number of supplies with Antimony exceedances decreased from 2 in 2013 to 1 in 2014 - the Pettigo

supply, Donegal had levels above the parametric value of 5 µg/l caused by natural geological conditions.

Section 2.5.2 Remedial Action List

The Remedial Action List, first prepared by the EPA in 2008, is a dynamic list of public water supplies in need

of remedial action. Public water supplies were listed by the EPA on the original RAL for one or more reasons:

Failure(s) of the following priority RAL parameters in the previous two years:

- Table A (microbiological parameters): E. coli

- Table B (chemical parameters): nitrate, trihalomethanes, bromate

- Table C (indicator parameters): aluminium, turbidity

Inadequate treatment (e.g. no treatment other than chlorination for a surface water supply or

poor turbidity removal or excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water).

Monitoring results or compliance checks by the EPA indicated a lack of operational control at the

supply’s treatment plant.

Identified by the Health Service Executive as a supply where improvements were required.

The RAL includes supplies where the primary issue to be addressed is the water treatment plant. The list

does not include supplies where there are issues of quality caused by the distribution network. For example,

supplies that have failed to meet the lead parametric value due to the presence of lead pipework in the

distribution network are not included on the list. Actions required to address lead issues are covered in the

EPA Drinking Water Advice Note No. 2 published in 2009 on “Action programmes to restore the quality of

drinking water impacted by lead pipes and lead plumbing”20.

At regular intervals, additional supplies are added to the RAL based on further information from EPA audits,

notifications of exceedances or information gathered from Irish Water, the Health Service Executive and the

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Supplies are removed from the list at each

update when sufficient corrective action is taken by Irish Water and the effectiveness of the measures is

demonstrated to the satisfaction of the EPA. In general, a supply will not be removed from the list on the

basis of monitoring results alone. Irish Water must demonstrate that appropriate actions have been taken

(e.g. new infrastructure, procedures or training) to ensure that compliance is secured and the risks of failure

have been minimised. In addition, Irish Water must ensure ongoing quality and management of all supplies

to prevent them being placed on the RAL in the future.

Remedial Action Progress

The first RAL collated by the EPA in 2008 identified 339 public water supplies representing 36% of public

drinking water supplies that required detailed profiling to ensure that the supply is providing clean and

wholesome drinking water. At the end of 2014 there were 121 schemes on the RAL, serving 937,247

persons. Appendix 6 contains progress of RAL supplies at the end of 2014 which is summarised as follows:

20

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwateradvicenoteno2.html

16

260 (77%) of the original 339 supplies were removed from the RAL by the end of 2014 (Figure 4).

75 supplies were added to the original RAL but have been subsequently removed.

42 supplies were added to the original RAL and remain on the current RAL.

121 supplies were on the RAL at the end of 2014, supplying water to 937,247 consumers (Figure 4).

Dates for completion of works were available for 97 of schemes on the list. However, 24 schemes

(up from 7 at the end of 2013) did not have completion dates (though 8 were new schemes added in

late 2014).

Irish Water undertook a review of works previously proposed by local authorities to remove supplies

from the RAL and, in most cases, revised the completion dates. Completion dates for work on only

42 (35%) of schemes on the list did not slip compared to estimates provided by local authorities at

the end of 2013, though dates were brought forward for 5 high risk schemes in Roscommon.

Slippage on estimated completion dates has been attributed, by Irish Water, to a number of factors

such as delays obtaining required planning permission or delays in the procurement process. In

some cases remedial actions have been completed and at verification stage have been found to be

inadequate to ensure compliance.

Figure 4: Reduction in the number of public water supplies on the Remedial Action List.

Figure 5: RAL completion dates provided by Irish Water in December 2014.

Appendix 6 gives a breakdown of the supplies on the RAL in each county along with anticipated completion

dates as provided by Irish Water as of December 2014.

339

293 268

240

191

140 121

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Start of2008

End of2008

End of2010

Sept2011

Sept2012

Dec2013

Dec2014

16

6

74

16 21

7

20

8 0

28

41

24

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Complete -verifying

effectiveness

Complete butnot adequate

2013/2014 2015 2016 or later NoTimeframe

Local Authorities (Dec 2013)

Irish Water (Dec 2014)

17

Spotlight on Kerry

The EPA Remedial Action list highlights the supplies in need of improvement and that pose a risk to consumers (see section 2.5.2). The most recent list (Q2 2015) comprises 109 supplies of which 32 are in County Kerry. These 32 supplies in Kerry serve 130,159 people and many have been on the RAL since 2009. This highlights the significant requirement for improvements to supplies in County Kerry.

The reasons each of the 32 supplies were put on the Remedial Action List are:

- 14 supplies serving 94,366 people with inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium (Ballinskelligs, Caherdaniel, Castlecove, Central Regional: Scart, Central Regional : Sheheree, Central Regional : Ballintobeenig, Central Regional: Knocknageeha Gneeveguilla, Glen, Kenmare, Lisloose Reservoir, Lough Guitane, Maulin, Minard No.1 (Puck Island)¸ Mountain Stage).

- 9 supplies serving 23,314 people with elevated levels of trihalomethanes (Ballymacadam, Barraduff, Cahirciveen, Kilgarvan, Killsarkin, Lisarboola, Shrone, Ventry, Waterville).

- 6 supplies (from a single source) serving 10,440 people with elevated levels of pesticides (Dromin: Scartleigh, Dromin: Ballybunnion, Dromin: Ballyduff, Dromin: Ballylongford, Dromin: Listowel/Moyvane, Dromin: Tarmons

- 2 supplies serving 1,832 people with microbiological failures (Caragh Lake, Lauragh).

- 1 supply serving 207 people with poor turbidity removal (Templenoe).

Irish Water has indicated that completion dates for 17 water supplies are further delayed, with one completion date extended by 18 months. Irish Water’s reasons for these delays include timeframes that had been estimated, site acquisition issues, network upgrades and connections to other supplies. Irish Water must prioritise supplies on the RAL and prevent any further slippage of completion dates for remedial actions.

Remainder of the country, 77

Supplies in Kerry, 32

Number of supplies on RAL

Remainder of the country Supplies in Kerry

Lack of Cryptosporidium

barrier, 14

Trihalomethanes, 9

Pesticides, 6

Microbial failures, 2

Turbidity, 1

Reason Kerry supplies are on RAL

Lack of Cryptosporidium barrier Trihalomethanes

Pesticides Microbial failures

Turbidity

18

Supplies on the RAL at the end of 2014.

47 for a microbiological failure e.g. E. coli, Cryptosporidium

45 for a Chemical Failure e.g. nitrate, pesticides,

trihalomethanes

9 for an Indicator failure

e.g. aluminium, coliforms

20 for another reason

e.g. vulnerable source, EPA audit

These supplies were either on the original RAL or were subsequently added to the RAL.

121 supplies were on the RAL at the end of 2014.

The complete list of public water supplies currently on the RAL, including details of the proposed remedial

measures and associated timeframes, is available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/drinking/.

A key factor to ensure that supplies on the RAL are progressed is that investment in infrastructural

improvements at these supplies is prioritised. Investment must prioritise boil water notices/restrictions and

all supplies on the RAL list.

Section 2.5.3 Audits

During 2014 the EPA conducted 62 audits21 (Appendix 7) of public drinking water supplies across 19 local

authority areas; 43 were scheduled audits and 19 were reactive audits. Audits, particularly reactive audits,

are undertaken at problem supplies following notification of an exceedance or the identification of another

supply issue. 15 audits were undertaken of supplies where a boil water or water restriction notice was active

during the year. A summary of the main compliance issues identified across the 62 audits completed is

provided below:

Audit Findings: Source Protection

Of the 62 audits undertaken during 2014, 26 of the supplies used surface water as their raw water source. 19

were groundwater-fed and 12 supplies sourced their water from springs only. 5 supplies used water from a

mixture of these source types. During an EPA audit, the adequacy of source protection measures in the

catchment and in the immediate area of the abstraction point is appraised. The main findings in relation to

source protection at the 62 supplies audited were:

EPA Audit Findings - Source (Total = 62)

40 supplies had inadequate

source protection. 22 had adequate source

protection.

19 supplies were using uncovered springs

or poorly protected wells.

8 supplies using spring or

groundwater sources had microbiological contamination

in the raw water.

5 supplies using spring or groundwater sources showed evidence of

surface water ingress.

Poor source protection measures in catchments or zones of contribution and poorly protected well heads or springs can lead to the contamination of the source water. Disinfection can address some contaminants but not all. Supplies with inadequate source protection that do not have a treatment barrier are at risk of entry

of Cryptosporidium into the supply.

Adequate source protection is critical to ensuring supply safety and security.

21

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/audits/

19

Where source protection was recorded as inadequate the EPA audit report, issued subsequently to Irish

Water, sought that either source protection be enhanced or that the suitability of the current treatment be

critically assessed to determine if it was adequate to ensure safe drinking water.

Audit Findings: Treatment Process

The majority of an EPA audit is dedicated to a detailed, critical appraisal of the treatment process. The first

metric of a treatment plant to be examined is the treatment capacity. Of 62 audits completed during 2014, 1

supply (Ennistymon, Co. Clare) was found to be operating above 110% of its design capacity. A further 5

supplies were found to be by-passing some part of the treatment process. At Trennagleeragh, Co, Mayo

there was no treatment in place. In Lough Mask , Co. Mayo there was partial by-passing of the coagulation

stage. In Tellarought, Co. Wexford and Drumcong, Co. Leitrim there was no disinfection and in Aughrim

Annacurra, Co. Wicklow ozonation was not in use.

The two key processes in water treatment are chemical treatment and disinfection. Audit findings in relation

to both are summarised below.

Audit Findings: Chemical Treatment All public water supplies using surface water sources or using groundwater sources which are influenced by

surface water are required to have in place a treatment barrier. Chemical treatment functions as a barrier to

remove contaminants and particulate matter from water, treating it to the required standard and to prevent

entry of Cryptosporidium into the water supply. 30 of the supplies audited by the EPA during 2014 involved

chemical treatment.

Audit Findings: Disinfection As a minimum, all drinking water supplies should be disinfected to provide a barrier to microbiological

contamination in order to ensure the safety of the final water for drinking. The disinfection system should be

reliable and verifiable. 27 supplies audited during 2014 did not meet the minimum disinfection criteria set

out by the EPA. 1 of these had no treatment whatsoever (Trennagleeragh, Co. Mayo). 2 of these had no

disinfection (Tellarought, Co. Wexford and Drumcong, Co. Leitrim). Irish Water has developed a standardised

approach to calculate effective chlorine contact time for disinfection.

22

Available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/dwadvicenote15.html

EPA Audit Findings – Chemical Treatment (Total = 30)

11 supplies had

problems with the operation of filters.

3 supplies had turbidity > 1.0

NTU after filtration. A further 3 did not have a turbidity

monitor on each filter.

7 supplies had inadequate

chemical dosing. 6 supplies were using unapproved or

out-of-date chemicals.

5 supplies had floc carryover from the clarifiers.

Floc carryover indicates poor control over chemical dosing. Poor operation of filters and poor turbidity removal means that if Cryptosporidium is present in the source water it is likely to be in the treated

water and may pose a risk to human health. In response to continued findings on audits in relation to chemical treatment, in 2014 the EPA published an Advice Note on Optimisation of Chemical Coagulant

Dosing at Water Treatment Works22.

Chemical treatment requires careful management to remove contaminants and prevent entry of Cryptosporidium into the supply.

20

EPA Audit Findings – Disinfection (Total = 62)

11 supplies did not have a chlorine/ UV monitor and

alarm.

6 supplies had inadequate

disinfection contact time. A further 13 had not calculated

the contact time.

7 supplies did not have

duty and standby disinfection dosing.

16 supplies had disinfection monitors and alarms that were not working or not

being responded to.

The EPA sets out minimum disinfection dosing requirements. 27 supplies audited during 2014 did not meet these disinfection criteria. This figure includes supplies that did not have disinfection contact time

calculated. Inadequate disinfection contact time can result in insufficient disinfection and the entry of microorganisms into the supply. Duty and standby dosing equipment is necessary to provide disinfection

security in the event of pump failure. The absence of a working chlorine monitor means that the adequacy of disinfection cannot be verified. A working alarm is required in order to alert the operator to any issues

that might arise.

Reliable and verifiable disinfection is critical to ensuring supply safety and security.

Audit Findings: Distribution

Treated water can encounter a number of hazards after it enters the distribution system or storage

reservoirs which have the potential to compromise drinking water security, and consequently, its safety. 46

of the supplies audited during 2014 had treated water storage tanks or reservoirs as part of their

infrastructure. 12 supplies’ treated water storage tanks or reservoirs did not have adequately sealed vents to

prevent ingress or animal access to treated water which can result in contamination.

Update on Roscommon

In the 2013 Drinking Water Report Co. Roscommon was highlighted due to the risk of Cryptosporidium in many of the

supplies in that county. There were eight boil notices affected 21,151 people on the Boyle, Boyle/Ardcarne, Castlerea

Urban, Castlerea Regional, Northeast Strokestown/Elphin, Northeast Tarmonbarry, Northeast Roosky and South

Roscommon Kileglan public water supplies. Eleven of the Roscommon supplies were on the EPA Remedial Action list

and the EPA issued directions to either Roscommon County Council or Irish Water for each of the 10 supplies at risk

from Cryptosporidium requiring either the installation of a barrier or an action programme to prevent the entry of

Cryptosporidium.

Significant works have been completed by Roscommon County Council and Irish Water in 2014 and 2015 to address this risk.

- Boyle and Boyle/Ardcarne: A new treatment plant with coagulation, filtration and UV disinfection was completed

in April 2015. Following an EPA audit the boil notice, affecting over 6,000 people, was lifted on 1st

May 2015.

- South Roscommon Kileglan: A new treatment plant with coagulation, filtration and UV disinfection was completed,

audited by the EPA and the boil notice, affecting 6,000 people was lifted on 30th

June 2015.

- Castlerea Urban and Castlerea Regional: A temporary treatment plant with coagulation, filtration and UV

disinfection was installed, audited by the EPA and the boil notice, affecting over 5,200 people was lifted on 30th

June 2015.

- South Roscommon Lisbrock: A new treatment plant with coagulation, filtration and UV disinfection serving 10,000

people was completed, audited by the EPA and removed from the Remedial Action list.

- Ballyfarnon: an EPA direction issued in October 2014 to prepare a Cryptosporidium action programme by 30th

October 2015. Construction of a new treatment plant for the Arigna Regional Water Supply Scheme was completed

in July 2015. Following an EPA audit the supply was removed from the Remedial Action list.

21

Newly completed treatment plant at Boyle, Roscommon (courtesy of Glan Agua Ltd).

These works by Roscommon County Council and Irish Water on 7 supplies resulted in over 17,000 people receiving

appropriately treated water and no longer being on a boil notice. These supplies were also removed from the EPA

Remedial Action list.

Further works are required to upgrade supplies that remain at risk from Cryptosporidium.

- North East Regional (Stokestown/Elphin, Tarmonbarry and Roosky): an EPA direction was issued in June 2014 to

install a Cryptosporidium barrier by 30th

June 2015. A temporary solution is planned to be in place by December

2015. This is the only supply in Roscommon that remains on a boil notice affecting 3,908 people.

- Ballinlough/Loughglynn: Irish Water plans to serve this supply from the Lough Mask supply by 2019. An EPA

direction, issued in August 2014 to prepare a Cryptosporidium action programme, is due by 24th

October 2015.

Section 2.5.4 Directions and Prosecutions

Following an exceedance of a parametric value or a finding made during an audit, the EPA may issue a

Direction under the Drinking Water Regulations if it is not satisfied that the actions taken by the water

supplier are adequate or if proposed actions are required to be completed within a particular timeframe.

The EPA issued 29 legally binding Directions to Irish Water during 2014.

EPA Directions Issued

1 issued for Quality of

Treatment and Distribution equipment and materials

(Regulation 13)

6 issued for Protection

of Human Health (Regulation 9)

15 issued for other purposes deemed appropriate by

EPA (Regulation 16)

7 issued for Remedial Action Programmes

(Regulation 10)

Directions are used by the EPA where necessary to ensure that works are carried out to provide safe and secure drinking water.

Compliance with EPA directions is legally binding and the EPA can enforce the directions through the courts.

The reasons for issue of 29 Directions during 2014 and the status of the Directions at the end of 2014 are

tabulated below23. The total number of Directions issued during 2014 showed increase from 16 issued in

2013. Notably, Directions were issued due to trihalomethane exceedances in 9 supplies during 2014

compared to only 1 supply during 2013. In addition, 2014 saw the EPA issue 3 Directions due to inadequate

responses by Irish Water to EPA Audit Reports. None were issued in 2013 for this reason.

23

During 2014 legal proceedings were initiated in relation to three of these directions.

22

Table 2: EPA directions issued during 2014 – reason for issue and status at end of 2014.

Area/ County

Supply Reason for Direction Issue date Status at end 2014

Clare Killaloe Inadequate disinfection system. 04-Jul-14

Irish Water has complied with the directions

Donegal Bundoran Urban Inadequate response to EPA audit 03-Dec-14

Donegal Killybegs Inadequate response to EPA audit 03-Dec-14

Donegal Rosses Regional Inadequate response to EPA audit 03-Dec-14

Galway Cineal Feicin Estate, Abbey

Inadequate disinfection system. 13-Feb-14

Galway Clifden Customer complaints of discoloured water

04-Jul-14

Leitrim Drumcong Inadequate disinfection system. 04-Jul-14

Roscommon SRRWSS - Lisbrock No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

15-Aug-14

Sligo Lough Talt Inadequate disinfection system. 15-Aug-14

Donegal Cashilard Trihalomethane exceedances. 11-Dec-14

Action Programmes being implemented by Irish Water

Donegal Gortahork- Falcarragh Trihalomethane exceedances. 11-Dec-14

Donegal Fintown Trihalomethane exceedances. 11-Dec-14

Donegal Greencastle Trihalomethane exceedances. 11-Dec-14

Donegal Portnoo Narin Trihalomethane exceedances. 11-Dec-14

Sligo Lough Talt Trihalomethane exceedances. 03-Dec-14

Galway Carraroe Trihalomethane exceedances. 12-May-14

The dates in the directions have not yet been reached. Compliance status will be determined after the due dates

Galway Williamstown Inadequate disinfection system and Cryptosporidium barrier.

21-Nov-14

Laois Ballyroan Inadequate disinfection system. 03-Dec-14

Longford Newtowncashel No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

23-Sep-14

Roscommon Ballinlough/ Loughglynn No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

15-Aug-14

Roscommon Ballyfarnan No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

30-Oct-14

Roscommon Castlerea Regional No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

10-Jun-14

Roscommon Castlerea Urban No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

10-Jun-14

Roscommon NERWSS Strokestown/ Elphin

No Cryptosporidium barrier in place and no action plan submitted

10-Jun-14

Wexford IW pH Asset Strategy Programme

Inadequate pH levels in supplies 15-Aug-14 Direction deadline passed. Further enforcement action not currently being pursued due to verified progress with action programme/necessary works

Galway Cleggan/ Claddaghduff Trihalomethane exceedances. 24-Oct-14 Directions not complied with - enforcement action under consideration

Kilkenny Callan Road, Kilmanagh Inadequate disinfection system. 25-Aug-14

Wexford Tellarought Inadequate disinfection system. 10-Jun-14

Donegal Rathmullen Trihalomethane exceedances. 04-Jul-14 On-going Enforcement Action

A number of Directions issued prior to 2014 remained open and were actively pursued by the EPA during

2014. A summary of these directions and an update on their status is provided in Table 3.

23

Table 3: Directions issued prior to 2014 - reason for issue and status at end of 2014.

Area/ County

Supply Reason for Direction Issue date Status at end 2014

Galway Kilkerrin Moylough No Cryptosporidium barrier. 26-Sep-11 Action programme being implemented by the WSA

Sligo Lough Gill (Cairns Hill)

Trihalomethane exceedances and inadequate Cryptosporidium barrier.

14-Mar-13 Action programme being implemented.

Sligo North Sligo Iron and Turbidity exceedances 24-Sep-07 Action Programme being implemented by Irish Water.

Cork Mallow Replacement of WSA-owned lead pipework.

28-Sep-11 Deadlines have passed-substantial progress made. EPA supervising ongoing works until complete.

Roscommon Boyle Ardcarne Inadequate Cryptosporidium barrier- implement action plan.

5-Sep-13

Roscommon SRRWSS Kileglan Inadequate Cryptosporidium barrier. 26-Nov-13

Donegal Letterkenny Trihalomethanes exceedances. 24-Mar-11

Directions not complied with. Kerry Lisardboola and Lisloose

Replacement of WSA-owned lead pipework.

28-Sep-11

Clare O Brien’s Bridge Inadequate disinfection system. 27-Sep-13 EPA enforcement action ongoing at the end of 2014.

Mayo L. Mask RWSS Trihalomethanes exceedances. 21-Apr-09 WSA prosecuted for non-compliance with Direction. EPA supervising ongoing works until complete.

In 2014, the EPA initiated three prosecutions in relation to Letterkenny Public Water Supply, Co. Donegal;

Lissardboola and Lisloose Public Water Supply, Co. Kerry and at Treannagleeragh Public Water Supply, Co.

Mayo. Summonses were withdrawn in relation to Lissardboola/Lisloose and Treannagleeragh Public Water

Supplies as the necessary remedial works were complete at the time the case came before the court. Legal

proceedings in relation to Letterkenny remain before the Courts.

24

Section 3: Private Supplies Private supplies are operated, managed and are the responsibility of private individuals or organisations.

Details of 2,691 Private supplies operating in 2014 were reported to the EPA by local authorities.

512 Public Group Water Schemes serving 86,058 people (1.9 % of population)

421 Private Group Water Schemes serving 192,312 people (4.2% of population)

1,758 Small Private Supplies serving 39,994 people (0.9% of population).

Section 3.1: Quality and Safety of Regulated Private Supplies 60,626 test results for private supplies were submitted to the EPA for assessment. The microbiological

quality of private supplies, while improving, remains inferior to public supplies. The overall compliance rate

for these regulated private supplies, based on sample compliance, was 97.26 % for Microbiological

parameters, 99.54 % for Chemical parameters and 97.04% for Indicator parameters. This compares to 2013

figures of 97.53 % for Microbiological parameters, 99.57 % for Chemical parameters and 97.28 % for

Indicator parameters.

A summary of compliance with the parametric limits in the regulations is set out in Appendix 2 (Public Group

Water Schemes), Appendix 3 (Private Group Water Scheme) and Appendix 4 (Small Private Supplies). An

explanation of the significance of each of the parameters described in the report is available at

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/epadrinkingwaterauditreports/parameterappendix.html.

1,771 supplies were fully compliant for E. coli, but 100 supplies had samples taken that failed.

All supplies were 100% compliant for 15 of the chemical parameters. For a further two parameters (Bromate

and Lead), a single sample failed each. Of the remaining parameters, 3 samples (3 supplies) failed the Copper

standard24, 2 samples (1 supply) failed the Selenium standard, 6 samples (4 supplies) failed the Fluoride

standard, 9 samples (9 supplies) failed the nitrate standard, 6 samples (6 supplies) failed the nitrite (at tap)

standard and 22 samples (22 supplies) failed the Trihalomethanes standard.

The majority of the failures set out in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 relate to “indicator” parameters. Indicator

parameters are designed to provide information on the management of the treatment process, the look,

taste and smell of the water. A value reported to exceed the limit for an indicator parameter should not,

automatically, be considered a cause for concern but a guide for the water supplier to initiate an

investigation into the cause of the elevated level of the particular parameter.

22% of the private supply test results were reported as accredited results compared to 34% in 2013.

The number of supplies testing positive for E. coli increased from 96 in 2013 to 100 in 2014. The majority of

these supplies are small private supplies. For the group water sector, significant improvement has been

achieved in compliance with the E. coli parameter in the past decade. E. coli compliance in the group water

sector in 2014 was 98.82% compared to 85.5% in this sector in 2004. In 2014, 24 Private Group Water

Schemes tested positive for E.coli, down from 32 in 2013 and 76 Small Private Supplies tested positive for

E.coli, up from 63 in 2013. No Public Group Water Schemes tested positive for E.coli in 2014 compared with

1 supply in 2013. Further improvements are needed in small private supplies – E.coli compliance at 96.3%

lags behind both public supplies (99.9%) and the group water sector (98.82%).

24

A failure of the Copper standard is an indication of internal copper plumbing in a building or property rather than a problem with the water supply served to that building/property.

25

Figure 6: Trend in the number of private supplies where E. coli was detected.

Trihalomethanes, a by-product of the chlorination (disinfection) process, are undesirable in drinking water

and their presence should be minimised while not compromising disinfection. Further details on

Trihalomethanes are contained in Section 2.5.1. Compliance with the Trihalomethanes standard in private

supplies remains low at 93.0 %. The majority of supplies are in counties Cavan, Galway, Kerry, and Mayo and

are detected in Private Group Water Schemes. 22 supplies exceeded the standard of 100 µg/l and 5 of these

had levels of Trihalomethanes greater than 150 µg/l, with the highest result of 237 µg/l in the Brackloon /

Spaddagh GWS, County Mayo.

The lead standard for drinking water changed on 25/12/2013 from 25 µg/l to 10 µg/l. Further details on lead

are contained in Section 2.5.1. Results submitted for 2014 indicate only one supply with a lead exceedance

(in County Monaghan). Given the widespread extent of lead pipework, generally, in the country water

suppliers and local authorities should examine this high rate of compliance to verify that it is generated by

sufficient sample numbers in appropriate, representative locations in the networks.

There are two standards for pesticides in the drinking water regulations, Total Pesticides (0.5 µg/l) and

individual pesticides (0.1 ug/l). Neither standard was exceeded in 2014.

The standard for nitrates (50 mg/l) was exceeded in 9 supplies in total, 8 of which were Small Private

Supplies in Cork, Kilkenny, Meath and Wexford and 1 Private Group Water Scheme in Carlow. The highest

nitrate result was 74.6 mg/l in County Kilkenny. Further details on nitrates are contained in Section 2.5.1.

The aluminium standard of 200 µg/l was exceeded in 25 supplies during 2014, 10 Public Group Water

Schemes, 6 Private Group Water Schemes and 9 Small Public Supplies. Aluminium is present in drinking

water as a result of its use as aluminium sulphate (a coagulant) in the water treatment process, though it can

be naturally present in some waters. See section 2.1 for further details on aluminium.

The turbidity limit of 1.0 NTU at the treatment plant was exceeded in 11 supplies. The control of turbidity is

one of the indicators of the efficiency of treatment at the plant. Elevated levels of turbidity in the treated

water indicate that the treatment process is not operating adequately. It also provides a good indication of

whether the treatment plant is capable of removing Cryptosporidium oocysts. See section 2.1 for further

details on turbidity.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

26

Section 3.2: Enforcement and Security of Regulated Private Supplies Local authorities are the supervisory authorities for private water supplies. The results from 2014

demonstrate that there are compliance challenges in this sector. In particular improvements are needed in

small private supplies. E. coli was detected in 76 small private supplies compared to detection in 24 group

schemes (down from 33 in 2013). While the detections in small private supplies were down from 147 in 2012

the numbers found with E. coli are still not acceptable and are up from 63 in 2013.

Water quality in the private water supply sector lags significantly behind the quality in the public network.

Local authorities should use the powers available to them under the drinking water regulations to drive

improvements in water quality. Local authorities should ensure that private water supplies are appropriately

monitored for the parameters in the Drinking Water Regulations 2014, in particular for microbiological

parameters.

Cryptosporidium results were not submitted for private supplies in 2014. Cryptosporidium is not one of the

48 parameters listed in the drinking water regulations, for which monitoring is specified. However, the EPA

has through the EPA Advice Note No. 9: Cryptosporidium Sampling and Monitoring provided guidance on

Cryptosporidium monitoring. During 2013 the notification of Cryptosporidium detections was only required

in cases where the local authority, in consultation, with the HSE considered the supply a potential danger to

human health. This requirement has now changed and under the 2014 regulations water suppliers should

notify their supervisory authority of any detections of Cryptosporidium in the supply.

The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) provides a key role in improving group water

schemes and in the provision of guidance and training to the operators of these schemes. Recently the

NFGWS have published a guide to the implementation of Quality Assurance (HACCP) System for the group

water sector. This practical guidance provides essential advice to operators on managing and monitoring

their supplies. The guide follows the principles of the Water Safety Plan approach.

Section 3.3: Exempted Private Supplies Private water supplies providing water to individual private dwellings are exempt from regulation. It is

estimated that 30% of private wells in Ireland are contaminated by E. coli arising from animal or human

waste. The HSE has reported a growing number of cases of VTEC – a pathogenic form of E.coli. Analysis of

cases shows that patients are up to four times more likely to have consumed untreated water from private

wells.

Ireland has the highest incidence of VTEC in Europe. Since 2011, the HSE has reported a doubling of the

number of VTEC cases in Ireland (284 in 2011, 554 in 2012, 704 in 2013 and 713 in 2014). Animals,

particularly cattle are the main source of VTEC and infection is spread either from direct animal contact or

through contaminated food and water. Person to person spread is also common. In other countries the most

common source of infection is through food outbreaks.

In Ireland, rural families are commonly affected and much of this is because of contaminated private wells.

Consumers of water from private wells at much greater risk of VTEC than those who drink water from mains

supplies.

Disinfection kills all E. coli including VTEC and, while public water supplies are disinfected, not all private

wells are. The EPA is providing easy to use information at http://www.epa.ie/water/dw/hhinfo/ explaining

what well owners should do to protect their health. The information includes a short animation to explain

the risks to well water quality and the simple things that can be done to reduce the risks.

27

A ‘Protect your Well’ assessment app is now available at http://erc.epa.ie/water/wells/. Well owners can

assess whether their wells are at risk in less than 10 minutes using this simple app. It provides well owners

with tailored advice on how they can reduce the risk of contamination in their well.

Figure 7: EPA Infographic on Private Wells

28

Section 4: Concluding Remarks and Recommended Actions

Conclusions and recommendations made in this report are based on the EPA’s findings on drinking water

quality during 2014, on findings from EPA audits and on the need to implement the requirements of the

Drinking Water Regulations which implement the Drinking Water Directive in Ireland. Previous EPA reports

have contained similar recommendations and, while progress has been made in some areas, others have

been delayed by the underinvestment in water services over many years.

Section 4.1: Public Water Supplies 2014 was Irish Water’s first year of responsibility for the production, distribution and monitoring of drinking

water from public water supplies in Ireland. The year saw significant work progressed by Irish Water towards

reducing the numbers of consumers affected by boil water notices. A number of projects ongoing during

2014 saw long-term boil water notices lifted in the 2015 period. Reduction in the number of supplies on the

Remedial Action List, however, remains an area requiring further progress, with slippage in estimated

completion dates noted.

Irish Water is adopting the Water Safety Plan approach to manage drinking water supplies. This reflects a

holistic and active view to the management of risk and improving the system’s resilience. Irish Water has

used the national utility structure to deal with a range of risks to drinking water supply by developing

national and regional strategic plans.

A number of areas for strategic action have been highlighted by the EPA in previous reports and are now

recognised and beingprogressed by Irish Water.

One such strategy is the Irish Water Lead Strategy which was published by Irish Water in June 2015.

This forms part of a National Lead Strategy published by the Department of Environment,

Communities and Local Government. The strategy sets out the major objectives and actions

envisaged towards achieving the long-term national objective of reducing consumer exposure to

lead. The EPA has actively engaged with Irish Water on the development of this strategy during 2014

and 2015.

In addition to lead, a significant number of supplies for which Irish Water is responsible are affected

by other major water quality issues meriting the development of other National strategies. Levels in

excess of the limits set by the Drinking Water Regulations for parameters such as trihalomethanes

and pesticides are issues that require the development of consistent, strategic approaches.

- For trihalomethanes, a comprehensive and systematic review of chemical dosing and

treatment processes, in parallel with raw water monitoring, should be implemented.

Supplies with exceedances should be prioritised for review.

- For pesticides and other source-protection-related contaminants, an entirely new series of

catchment-based engagement efforts needs to be devised and take place, organised and

instructed by a national strategy.

The findings of EPA audits during 2014 show that disinfection systems remain an area of water

treatment requiring attention. A National Disinfection Strategy is required to ensure appropriate

disinfection at the treatment plant and to safeguard treated water quality in reservoirs and

distribution networks.

In managing drinking water supplies and risk, the quality and representativeness of monitoring data

captured is critical. Irish Water needs to comprehensively review the national monitoring

programme for public supplies to ensure appropriate sampling frequency, sampling locations and

accreditation of results. Findings of such a review should inform a strategy to streamline monitoring

29

and analysis across the country leading also to improving the timeliness of reporting results to the

public.

For each strategy developed, an associated implementation plan with timeframes and milestones towards

meeting the interim and ultimate strategy objectives should be prepared and realised. Measures to improve

quality and consistency of management and operation of water supplies by Irish Water will be critical.

As the drinking water quality regulator, the EPA will continue to update, track and report the number of

supplies on the Remedial Action List; drinking water exceedance notifications; active boil water notices on

public water supplies; supplies with no Cryptosporidium barriers, the number of water safety plans in place

and findings of EPA audits. In addition, however, the EPA will report on Irish Water’s progress in the

implementation of its strategies and plans and response to incidents in future drinking water reports.

A summary of specific actions recommended for Public Water Supplies is provided below.

Priority Actions

Irish Water as the national utility for public water supplies must develop a series of national plans, programmes and strategies to ensure the safety and security of public supplies into the future.

Ensure the Capital Investment Plan provides investment to address all boil water notices, water restrictions and supplies on the Remedial Action List.

Develop and implement a national disinfection strategy.

Implement the national lead strategy to ensure compliance with the lead standard.

Develop and implement a national pesticides strategy to reduce pesticides exceedances.

Develop and implement a national trihalomethanes strategy to reduce trihalomethane exceedances.

Implement the Water Safety Plan approach in all supplies and as a guide to future capital investment.

Develop and implement National Drinking Water Incident Response Plans to cover emergency situations.

Source Protection

Engage with stakeholders and develop catchment-based measures (including water safety plans) aimed at improving the quality of drinking water sources including specific measures to address risk from pesticide use and excess nitrate run-off in drinking water catchments.

Implement raw water monitoring programmes to inform treatment system design, operation and management.

Treatment Plants

Continue the elimination (and prevention) of supplies on long-term boil water notices and restrictions as a matter of priority by fast tracking the necessary improvement works.

- Provide Cryptosporidium barriers on all surface water or surface water-influenced groundwater supplies.

- Meet the disinfection criteria as published by the EPA.

Publish comprehensive programmes, with timeframes for key milestones, for EPA Remedial Action List supplies.

Implement an optimisation programme for chemical dosing and review/upgrade of chemical dosing processes in supplies in order to reduce trihalomethanes and aluminium exceedances.

Implement adequate out of hours response backed up by suitable, real-time monitoring of process parameters and response to alarms.

Deliver resilient treatment plants able to cope with severe weather and changes in the nature of raw water sources.

30

Develop a structure for minimum qualification, training and experience standards for water service employees in key operations positions (for example supervisors and plant operators).

Distribution Network

Develop and implement a national programme for reservoir protection (including works to safeguard post-treatment water, inspection, cleaning and maintenance).

Develop and implement a national mains cleaning and maintenance programme.

Identify and remediate pipelines with regular bursts and colour issues.

Management, Control and Communications

Implement measures to improve quality and consistency of management and operation of water supplies.

Monitor all public supplies for E. coli.

Use accredited laboratories to analyse all monitoring results submitted to the EPA after 2015.

Improve communications between Irish Water and local authority personnel on the management and operation of public supplies.

Provide comprehensive and timely information to the EPA on progress made with supplies on the Remedial Action List and on investigations into exceedances of the parametric values.

In conclusion, this report reflects historic deficiency and national inconsistency in capital and operational

investment and sets out the challenges now faced by Irish Water after its first year as Ireland’s largest

producer of drinking water. As these challenges are tackled, Irish Water’s capability for enhanced asset

management, increased capital investment is to be regarded as a significant opportunity to improve

efficiency and resolve historic issues.

In this context, continued and increased investment in Ireland’s public drinking water sector, remains

imperative, prioritising supplies subject to boil water /restriction notices and supplies on the RAL whilst also

having regard to preventative investment where risk assessments identify it is most needed.

31

Section 4.2: Private Water Supplies The recommendations, below, cover private water supplies and are aimed at the water supplier and local

authorities as the supervisory authority for these supplies.

Private Water

Supplies

Monitor all private supplies for E.coli. Local authorities should assess the appropriateness of monitoring of private water supplies for the parameters in the Drinking Water Regulations 2014.

Investigate all failures to meet the microbiological, chemical and indicator parametric values in private water supplies to ensure that the cause of the failure is identified and the appropriate corrective action is taken.

Appropriate enforcement action should be taken by local authorities where there is evidence or where investigations indicate it is required.

Implementation of the guidance developed by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes on Quality Assurance (HACCP) System should be undertaken by Group Water Schemes.

Undertake a programme of monitoring for Cryptosporidium and lead in private supplies to determine the extent of its presence.

Section 4.3: Exempted Supplies (individual private supplies) The recommendations, below, cover exempted supplies and are aimed at the owners of individual supplies

such as wells and boreholes.

Exempted

supplies –

individual

private

supplies

Well owners should check their wells to ensure that their health is not at risk: This includes checking that there are no sources of pollution entering the well and testing the water, at least once a year, ideally following heavy rain when the well is most at risk of contamination. The EPA has provided easy to use information at http://www.epa.ie/water/dw/hhinfo/ explaining what well owners should do to protect their health.

Figure 8: EPA Infographic on Private Wells

32

Section 5: Appendices

Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 list compliance results and percentages for four groups of regulated drinking

water supplies:

Public Water Supplies

Public Group Schemes

Private Group Schemes

Small Private Supplies.

Appendix 5 lists Boil Notices and Water Restriction Notices in place on Public Water Supplies during

2014.

Appendix 6 lists, for each county or area the details of Remedial Action List supplies.

Appendix 7 lists, for each county or area, the microbiological and chemical compliance rates in public

supplies, the number of boil notice and water restrictions and population affected and selected

enforcement information (audits, directions, RAL).

33

Appendix 1: Public Water Supplies – Zones Monitored and Samples Analysed in 2014

Parameter

No. of Zones

Monitored

No of Zones with

Exceedances

% of Zones

Complying

No. of Samples Analysed

No. of Samples

Exceeding

% of Samples

Complying

Microbiological E. coli 963 8 99.2 10068 8 99.9

Enterococci 612 4 99.3 1622 4 99.8 Chemical 1,2-dichloroethane 599 0 100 1191 0 100

Antimony 528 1 99.8 1117 1 99.9

Arsenic 529 0 100 1181 0 100

Benzene 600 0 100 1193 0 100

Benzo(a)pyrene 545 0 100 1064 0 100

Boron 537 0 100 1150 0 100

Bromate 622 0 100 1184 0 100

Cadmium 590 0 100 1258 0 100

Chromium 590 0 100 1257 0 100

Copper 628 1 99.8 1432 1 99.9

Cyanide 470 0 100 970 0 100

Fluoride 678 24 96.5 3045 37 98.8

Lead 724 31 95.7 2193 39 98.2

Mercury 528 0 100 1096 0 100

Nickel 626 0 100 1315 0 100

Nitrate 744 4 99.5 3750 8 99.8

Nitrite (at tap) 679 0 100 4059 0 100

Nitrites (at WTW) 96 0 100 514 0 100

PAH 545 1 99.8 1065 1 99.9

Pesticides - Total 598 4 99.3 1163 4 99.7

Selenium 528 0 100 1132 0 100

Tetrachloroethene & Trichloroethene 599 0 100 1190 0 100

Total Trihalomethanes 635 59 90.7 1520 106 93.0 Indicator Aluminium 722 32 95.6 7360 75 99.0

Ammonium 964 6 99.4 10020 9 99.9

Chloride 658 1 99.8 1380 1 99.9

Clostridium perfringens 700 10 98.6 8227 13 99.8

Coliform Bacteria 963 84 91.3 10067 131 98.7

Colony Count @ 22°C 626 10 98.4 1434 10 99.3

Colour 964 59 93.9 10242 104 99.0

Conductivity 955 0 100 10527 0 100

Iron 791 43 94.6 6525 102 98.4

Manganese 638 19 97.0 2244 24 98.9

Odour 940 0 100 9886 0 100

pH 964 162 83.2 10457 307 97.1

Sodium 639 2 99.7 1295 2 99.8

Sulphate 615 0 100 1238 0 100

Taste 937 5 99.5 9561 5 99.9

Total Organic Carbon 571 10 98.2 1169 10 99.1

Turbidity (at tap) 964 23 97.6 10260 28 99.7

Turbidity (at WTW) 156 16 89.7 1232 22 98.2 Radioactivity Total Indicative Dose 27 0 100 51 0 100

Tritium 27 0 100 55 0 100

34

Appendix 2: Public Group Water Schemes – Zones Monitored and Samples Analysed in 2014

Parameter

No. of Zones

Monitored

No of Zones with

Exceedances % of Zones Complying

No. of Samples Analysed

No. of Samples

Exceeding

% of Samples

Complying

Microbiological E. coli 430 0 100 1051 0 100

Enterococci 35 0 100 36 0 100 Chemical 1,2-dichloroethane 54 0 100 55 0 100

Antimony 54 0 100 56 0 100

Arsenic 55 0 100 63 0 100

Benzene 54 0 100 55 0 100

Benzo(a)pyrene 54 0 100 55 0 100

Boron 60 0 100 65 0 100

Bromate 78 0 100 96 0 100

Cadmium 55 0 100 63 0 100

Chromium 55 0 100 63 0 100

Copper 62 0 100 70 0 100

Cyanide 46 0 100 47 0 100

Fluoride 113 2 98.2 211 2 99.1

Lead 80 0 100 108 0 100

Mercury 54 0 100 56 0 100

Nickel 62 0 100 70 0 100

Nitrate 94 0 100 206 0 100

Nitrite (at tap) 247 0 100 504 0 100

Nitrites (at WTW) 58 0 100 128 0 100

PAH 54 0 100 55 0 100

Pesticides - Total 61 0 100 62 0 100

Selenium 54 0 100 60 0 100

Tetrachloroethene & Trichloroethene 54 0 100 55 0 100

Trihalomethanes (Total) 66 5 92.4 72 5 93.1 Indicator Aluminium 320 10 96.9 727 11 98.5

Ammonium 430 2 99.5 1044 2 99.8

Chloride 61 0 100 63 0 100

Clostridium perfringens 391 2 99.5 930 2 99.8

Coliform Bacteria 430 18 95.8 1048 19 98.2

Colony Count @ 22°C 63 3 95.2 65 3 95.4

Colour 430 9 97.9 1047 17 98.4

Conductivity 413 0 100 1010 0 100

Iron 291 6 97.9 598 10 98.3

Manganese 101 1 99.0 160 1 99.4

Odour 410 0 100 1008 0 100

pH 430 9 97.9 1048 12 98.9

Sodium 61 0 100 67 0 100

Sulphate 61 0 100 63 0 100

Taste 410 0 100 1001 0 100

Total Organic Carbon 61 1 98.4 63 1 98.4

Turbidity (at tap) 430 5 98.8 1048 5 99.5

Turbidity (at WTW) 61 8 86.9 143 8 94.4

35

Appendix 3: Private Group Water Schemes – Zones Monitored and Samples Analysed in 2014

Parameter

No. of Zones

Monitored

No of Zones with

Exceedances % of Zones Complying

No. of Samples Analysed

No. of Samples

Exceeding

% of Samples

Complying

Microbiological E. coli 400 24 94 1410 29 97.9

Enterococci 214 5 97.7 235 5 97.9 Chemical 1,2-dichloroethane 158 0 100 165 0 100

Antimony 158 0 100 193 0 100

Arsenic 159 0 100 194 0 100

Benzene 158 0 100 165 0 100

Benzo(a)pyrene 158 0 100 163 0 100

Boron 231 0 100 266 0 100

Bromate 231 1 99.6 236 1 99.6

Cadmium 158 0 100 193 0 100

Chromium 158 0 100 193 0 100

Copper 233 1 99.6 276 1 99.6

Cyanide 156 0 100 161 0 100

Fluoride 227 1 99.6 263 1 99.6

Lead 237 1 99.6 338 1 99.7

Mercury 157 0 100 162 0 100

Nickel 231 0 100 266 0 100

Nitrate 286 1 99.7 534 1 99.8

Nitrite (at tap) 307 0 100 815 0 100

Nitrites (at WTW) 6 0 100 12 0 100

PAH 158 0 100 163 0 100

Pesticides - Total 219 0 100 224 0 100

Selenium 158 1 99.4 197 2 99.0

Tetrachloroethene & Trichloroethene 158 0 100 165 0 100

Trihalomethanes (Total) 232 17 92.7 252 17 93.3 Indicator Aluminium 313 6 98.1 950 6 99.4

Ammonium 400 1 99.8 1385 5 99.6

Chloride 232 0 100 237 0 100

Clostridium perfringens 323 9 97.2 1055 10 99.1

Coliform Bacteria 400 58 85.5 1408 73 94.8

Colony Count @ 22°C 231 8 96.5 236 8 96.6

Colour 400 23 94.3 1407 28 98.0

Conductivity 400 0 100 1384 0 100

Iron 316 8 97.5 886 12 98.6

Manganese 243 11 95.5 374 13 96.5

Odour 390 0 100 1349 0 100

pH 400 25 93.8 1407 40 97.2

Sodium 232 0 100 268 0 100

Sulphate 231 1 99.6 236 1 99.6

Taste 378 0 100 1314 0 100

Total Organic Carbon 229 2 99.1 234 2 99.1

Turbidity (at tap) 399 5 98.7 1414 6 99.6

Turbidity (at WTW) 19 3 84.2 25 3 88

36

Appendix 4: Small Private Supplies – Zones Monitored and Samples Analysed in 2014

Parameter

No. of Zones

Monitored

No of Zones with

Exceedances % of Zones Complying

No. of Samples Analysed

No. of Samples

Exceeding

% of Samples

Complying

Microbiological E. coli 1041 76 92.7 1605 79 95.1

Enterococci 410 21 94.9 589 22 96.3 Chemical 1,2-dichloroethane 18 0 100 19 0 100

Antimony 18 0 100 19 0 100

Arsenic 20 0 100 21 0 100

Benzene 20 0 100 23 0 100

Benzo(a)pyrene 20 0 100 23 0 100

Boron 51 0 100 61 0 100

Bromate 19 0 100 21 0 100

Cadmium 23 0 100 26 0 100

Chromium 22 0 100 25 0 100

Copper 249 2 99.2 271 2 99.3

Cyanide 18 0 100 19 0 100

Fluoride 24 1 95.8 28 3 89.3

Lead 296 0 100 371 0 100

Mercury 18 0 100 19 0 100

Nickel 23 0 100 26 0 100

Nitrate 767 8 99.0 1056 8 99.2

Nitrite (at tap) 618 6 99.0 965 6 99.4

PAH 20 0 100 23 0 100

Pesticides - Total 29 0 100 30 0 100

Selenium 19 0 100 20 0 100

Tetrachloroethene & Trichloroethene 18 0 100 19 0 100

Trihalomethanes (Total) 18 0 100 19 0 100 Indicator Aluminium 315 9 97.1 597 10 98.3

Ammonium 1025 17 98.3 1561 25 98.4

Chloride 150 4 97.3 197 5 97.5

Clostridium perfringens 437 16 96.3 640 18 97.2

Coliform Bacteria 1041 230 77.9 1605 261 83.7

Colony Count @ 22°C 24 4 83.3 25 4 84

Colour 1028 45 95.6 1565 53 96.6

Conductivity 1030 1 99.9 1568 1 99.9

Iron 654 51 92.2 1031 58 94.4

Manganese 337 39 88.4 408 47 88.5

Odour 977 1 99.9 1464 2 99.9

pH 1030 190 81.6 1569 249 84.1

Sodium 104 11 89.4 146 12 91.8

Sulphate 85 0 100 111 0 100

Taste 580 6 99.0 853 7 99.2

Total Organic Carbon 13 1 92.3 14 1 92.9

Turbidity (at tap) 971 42 95.7 1502 51 96.6 Radioactivity Total Indicative Dose 7 0 100 7 0 100 Tritium 7 0 100 7 0 100

37

Appendix 5: Boil Notices and Water Restrictions in place on Public Water Supplies during 2014

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Clare Corofin Other WR 1,550 Full 14/08/2014 22/08/2014

Clare Ennis Lead WR 618 Part 07/10/2008

Clare Ennistymon Coliform Bacteria BN 200 Part 23/07/2014 29/07/2014

Clare Killadysert Manganese WR 1,500 Full 29/07/2014 22/08/2014

Cork Aghabullogue Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 165 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Aghavrin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 60 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Allow Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 3,580 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork An Faithin Est. Tarelton E. coli BN 30 Full 01/07/2008 01/08/2014

Cork Ard Na Killy Ridge Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 50 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ballinagree Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 150 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ballinamona Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ballingeary Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 500 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Ballyclough & Mount North Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,156 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Ballydesmond Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 300 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ballymakerra Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 600 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ballyverane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 8 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Bandon Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 9,877 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Bantry Cahernacrin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,382 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Bantry Derryginagh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,287 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Bayview Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Belgooly Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 700 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Boherascrub Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 19 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Bottlehill Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 96 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Box Cross Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 5,400 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Burnfort Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 100 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Caherbarnagh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 256 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Carrigcleena Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Carrignadoura Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Castlecooke Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Castletownbere Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,130 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Clashanamid Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 80 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Clonakility Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 16,708 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

38

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Cork Clondrohid Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 200 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Cluin Court Allihies Coliform Bacteria BN 30 Full 30/01/2013 01/08/2014

Cork Coolineagh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Coolyhane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 50 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Crookstown Lead WR 159 Part 05/10/2010

Cork Doneraile Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,306 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Drimoleague Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 825 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Dromore Bantry Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 50 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Dunmanway Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,000 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Fermoy Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 8,845 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Garranes Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 88 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Glanworth Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 900 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Glashaboy Lead WR 150 Part 11/11/2008

Cork Glashaboy Lead WR 6 Part 07/11/2014

Cork Glenduff E. coli BN 10 Part 13/03/2014 20/03/2014

Cork Gortnaskehy Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 35 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Inchigeelagh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 150 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Innishannon Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 21,522 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilbrin Garran An Darra Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 324 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Kilclare Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 30 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilcrohane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 195 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kildorrery Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 750 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilmurry (Mitchelstown) Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 61 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilmurry/Clonmacow Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 200 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilnagurteen (Macroom) Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 120 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kilnamartyra Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 250 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Kiskeam Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 168 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Knockanevin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Knockanleigh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Knockbrack Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 60 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Knockburden Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 46 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Knockdrumaclough Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 80 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Knockeragh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 21 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

39

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Cork Knoppogue Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Labbamollogga Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Lombardstown/Glantane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 300 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Macroney Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Minane Bridge Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 55 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Monabricka Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 30 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Monee Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 60 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Mossgrove Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Mountain Barracks Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 16 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Newcestown Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 245 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Parkmore Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Rahan Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 350 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Ratharoon Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Rockchapel Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 150 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Rylane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 322 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Schull Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,760 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Skahanagh Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 100 Full 13/02/2014 17/02/2014

Cork Skibbereen Ballyhilty Other BN 80 Part 14/01/2014 18/01/2014

Cork Skibbereen Ballyhilty Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 11,197 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Stagmount Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 8 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Templemartin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 88 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Cork Whitechurch Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 45 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Cork Youghal Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 11,286 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Dlr_Zone2 E. coli BN 3 Part 27/06/2014 02/07/2014

Galway Williamstown Ps Turbidity (at WTW) BN 1,020 Full 30/10/2014

Kerry An Baile Breach 092d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 140 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Baile Mór 012d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,040 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Ceapaigh Thiar 021d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 80 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Clochán 028d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 120 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Fheothanach Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 260 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Ghleann 039h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 60 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Ghráig/Cloichear 043d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 120 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Mhín Aird No . 1 060d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 270 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

40

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Kerry An Mhín Aird No. 3 090d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 200 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry An Mhuiríoch/Baile Breach 063d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 450 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Baile An Fheirtéaraigh 011d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 550 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Baile An Sceilg 008h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 960 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Baile Na Bhfionnúrach 006d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 90 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Breanlee 088a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 800 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Caherdaniel 019h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 390 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Caragh Lake 022a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,860 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Castlecove 023h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 370 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Castlegregory 024d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,220 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Cathair Bó Sine 018d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 50 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Cé Bhréannain 015d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 80 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Ceann Trá 074d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 530 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Central Regional: Lissardboola 404f* Lead WR 72 Part 28/11/2014

Kerry Dún Chaoin 034d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 280 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Emlaghpeasta 035h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 190 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Fán 036d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Glenbeigh 040a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Glenderry 076e Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 110 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Kenmare 045a Inadequate Disinfection BN 20 Part 28/07/2009 15/01/2014

Kerry Lauragh 051a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 80 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Lios Cearnaigh 052d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 30 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Maulin 066h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 620 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Mountain Stage 062a Inadequate Disinfection BN 9 Part 28/07/2009 19/12/2014

Kerry Mountain Stage 062a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,080 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Portmagee 064h Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 980 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Rathmore 065a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 850 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Shrone 078a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 210 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Sneem 068a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 470 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Templenoe 073a Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 220 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Tír Abhainn 072d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Kerry Tír Abhainn Thoir 091d Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 110 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

41

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Kerry Valentia Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 200 Full 13/02/2014 18/02/2014

Leitrim Drumcong Turbidity (at WTW) BN 19 Part 25/07/2014 16/02/2015

Leitrim Kinlough/Tullaghan Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 891 Full 05/07/2014 11/07/2014

Leitrim NLRWSS - Dromahair Coliform Bacteria BN 100 Part 26/09/2014 14/10/2014

Leitrim Rossinver Enterococci BN 207 Part 02/05/2014 16/05/2014

Limerick Abbeyfeale Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 3,029 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Adare Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,909 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Anglesboro Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 40 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Ardpatrick Kilfinnane Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,614 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Athlacca Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 100 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Ballinatona Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 39 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Ballingarry Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 562 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Ballylanders Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 540 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Bruff Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,419 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Bruree Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 660 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Caherconlish Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,601 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Cappamore Foileen Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,821 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Carrigkerry Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 184 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Castletown/Ballyagran Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 242 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Cromwell Hill Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 20 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Croom Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,500 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Doon Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,301 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Emly Ballincaroona Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 62 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Fedamore Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 325 Full 13/02/2014 19/02/2014

Limerick Foynes/Shannon Estuary Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,481 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Galbally Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 364 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Glenosheen Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 200 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Glin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,044 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Herbertstown Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 488 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Hospital Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,630 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Jamestown/Effin Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 397 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Kilbeheny Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 160 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Kilglass Pub Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 63 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

42

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Limerick Kilmallock Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,338 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Kilteely Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 344 Full 13/02/2014 14/04/2014

Limerick Knocklong Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 760 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Limerick City Environs Iron WR 6 Part 28/08/2014 09/09/2014

Limerick Limerick City Water Supply Lead WR 2,370 Part 22/07/2014

Limerick Limerick City Water Supply Inadequate Disinfection WR 500 Part 24/06/2014 25/06/2014

Limerick Lissowen Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 39 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Loughill Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 216 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Martinstown Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 500 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Mountpellier Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 368 Full 13/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Murroe Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,175 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Newcastle West Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 7,469 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Oola Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,152 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick Pallasgreen Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 1,850 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Limerick Rockhill Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 275 Full 12/02/2014 14/02/2014

Limerick Scart Highmount Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 39 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Limerick South West Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,984 Full 12/02/2014 13/02/2014

Longford Newtowncashel Cryptosporidium BN 516 Full 04/09/2014 13/05/2015

Mayo Treannagleeragh E. coli BN 80 Full 06/09/2013 10/12/2014

Meath Baltrasna E. coli BN 9 Full 22/12/2014

Offaly Tullamore Lead WR 15 Part 19/11/2014

Roscommon Boyle Cryptosporidium BN 4,300 Full 13/05/2013 01/05/2015

Roscommon Boyle/Ardcarne Cryptosporidium BN 1,700 Full 13/05/2013 01/05/2015

Roscommon Castlerea Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 3,443 Full 04/07/2012 30/06/2015

Roscommon Castlerea Urban Cryptosporidium BN 1,800 Full 01/02/2014 30/06/2015

Roscommon North East Regional Cryptosporidium BN 3,908 Full 27/03/2014

Roscommon SRRWSS - Killeglan Cryptosporidium BN 6,000 Part 24/10/2013 30/06/2015

Sligo Killaraght Cryptosporidium BN 128 Part 14/05/2013 01/05/2015

Tipperary Ahenny Inadequate Disinfection BN 100 Full 12/09/2013 30/06/2014

Tipperary Ballinvir Inadequate Disinfection BN 100 Full 12/09/2013 30/06/2014

Tipperary Burncourt Regional E. coli BN 178 Part 01/09/2009

Tipperary Burncourt Regional Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 2,038 Full 13/02/2014 15/02/2014

Tipperary Cloran Regional E. coli BN 9 Part 22/10/2008

43

Area/County Scheme Name Reason Boil Notice (BN) / Water Restriction (WR)

Population Affected

Affecting Full Or Part Of Supply

Date Notice Issued

Date Notice Lifted

Tipperary Gortnapisha Regional E. coli BN 9 Part 22/10/2008

Tipperary Graigue E. coli BN 1,192 Full 21/05/2014 23/06/2014

Tipperary Graigue pH WR 13 Part 24/10/2014 31/10/2014

Tipperary Templetney Borehole Inadequate Disinfection BN 20 Part 03/05/2012

Tipperary Tipperary UDC E. coli BN 4 Part 15/06/2012 08/07/2015

Waterford Ballydermody Nitrate WR 2 Full 12/12/2013

Waterford East Waterford Lead WR 5 Part 07/11/2014

Waterford Glenawillin Nitrate WR 60 Full 24/05/2010 11/06/2014

Waterford Nire Precautionary - No Exceedance BN 16 Part 13/08/2014

Wexford Enniscorthy Coliform Bacteria BN 20 Part 16/10/2013 27/01/2014

Wexford Oldcourt Coliform Bacteria BN 21 Full 18/09/2014 23/01/2015

Wexford Tellarought Coliform Bacteria BN 22 Full 19/03/2014 19/09/2014

Wexford Wilton Coliform Bacteria BN 42 Full 20/05/2014 11/08/2014

Wicklow Ballinapark Public Supply Coliform Bacteria BN 9 Full 19/02/2014 11/03/2014

Wicklow Johnstown South (Arklow) Coliform Bacteria BN 6 Full 21/08/2013 25/02/2014

Wicklow Knockananna Public Supply E. coli BN 255 Full 20/03/2014 28/03/2014

Wicklow Monument Lane Public Supply Coliform Bacteria BN 30 Full 20/08/2013 03/02/2014

Wicklow Wicklow Regional Supply E. coli BN 150 Part 10/10/2014 19/12/2014 This is a list of 214 boil notices and water restrictions that were /are the responsibility of either Irish Water or both Irish Water and the property owner to resolve. Additional notices were in place in certain areas

during 2014 which were the responsibility of the property owner only. 158 precautionary boil notices were in place due to Storm Darwin. See section 2.2 for general information on boil notices and water

restrictions.

44

Appendix 6: Details of Remedial Action List Supplies for each Area/County (as of December 2014)

No. of Supplies on RAL Progress on Completion of Remedial Works

Original RAL

RAL at the end of 2014

Works Completed

To be completed in 2015

To be completed in 2016

To be completed in or after 2017

No Timeframe for Completion

Kerry 41 30 7 2 6 2 13

Wicklow 22 13 1 3 0 7 2

Roscommon 10 11 0 7 2 1 1

Galway 34 10 4 2 1 2 1

Donegal 33 10 0 1 0 9 0

Tipperary 20 8 0 2 4 0 2

Waterford 18 7 2 1 0 1 3

Meath 8 4 0 0 1 2 1

Sligo 8 4 0 2 1 1 0

Mayo 15 4 1 2 0 1 0

Cork 38 3 1 0 0 0 2

Dublin City 1 3 0 2 0 0 1

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 0 3 0 3 0 0 0

Kilkenny 7 2 0 0 0 0 2

Monaghan 12 2 2 0 0 0 0

Cavan 10 1 0 0 0 1 0

Cork City 1 1 0 0 0 0 1

Longford 5 1 0 1 0 0 0

Louth 3 1 0 0 1 0 0

Laois 8 1 0 0 0 0 1

Leitrim 2 1 0 0 0 0 1

Wexford 4 1 1 0 0 0 0

Carlow 4 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Clare 9 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Fingal 0 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Galway City 1 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Kildare 0 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Limerick City 1 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Limerick 12 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Offaly 8 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

South Dublin 0 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Waterford City 1 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Westmeath 3 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

45

Appendix 7: Quality and enforcement information for public supplies by county/area for 2014

Public Supplies

1 Parameter Compliance (%)

2 Boil Notices

2 Water Restrictions

2 RAL

3, 4 Directions

3 Audits

3, 5

County/ Area6 Number Population Microbiological Chemical Number

Population affected Number

Population Affected

Number (Supplies, end 2014)

Number Issued Number

Carlow 16 47,804 100 100

3

Cavan 18 25,025 100 99.6 1

2

Clare 19 79,388 100 99.8 1 200 3 3668

1 4

Cork 179 336,395 99.9 99.7 81 111442 3 315 3

3

Cork City 1 125,230 100 99.8

1 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 8 207,350 99.7 99.9 1 3

3

1

Donegal 32 135,794 100 99.2

10 9 3

Dublin City 6 524,000 99.9 99

3 Fingal 2 271,999 100 100

Galway 38 106,824 99.7 99.4 1 1020

10 5 6

Galway City 1 75,415 100 100 Kerry 72 113,445 99.9 98.5 40 15199 1 72 30

5

Kildare 12 185,658 100 99.6 Kilkenny 22 60,706 100 99.3

2 1 4

Laois 28 58,609 100 99.2

1 1 1

Leitrim 8 16,558 99.4 100 4 1217

1 1 4

Limerick 44 121,167 100 99.8 42 43304 3 3860 Longford 6 14,852 96 100 1 516

1 1 2

Louth 15 99,575 100 99.8

1 Mayo 24 77,956 100 100 1 80

4

4

Meath 64 147,475 99.8 99.4 1 9

4 Monaghan 10 31,712 100 99.6

2

2

Offaly 23 44,267 95.4 100

1 15 Roscommon 21 48,807 100 99.1 6 21151

11 6 5

Sligo 9 65,034 99.7 99.4 17 128

4 2 1

South Dublin 4 257,600 100 99.8

Tipperary 55 129,303 99.9 99.4 9 3650 1 13 8

1

Waterford 113 82,282 100 99.2 1 16 3 67 7 Westmeath 15 62,325 100 99.8

Wexford 43 104,379 99.4 99.9 4 105

1 2 6

Wicklow 65 113,749 97.7 99.5 5 450

13

5

Totals: 973 3,770,683 N/A N/A 199 198,490 15 8,010 121 29 62 1 Full list of public supplies available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/publicdrinkingwatersupplies/;

2 boil notice and water restriction numbers included above refer to notices that were the

responsibility of either Irish Water or both Irish Water and the property owner to resolve. Further notices were in place in certain areas during 2014 which were the responsibility of the property owner only. 158 boil notices relate to Storm Darwin and were of short duration; Further information in Section 2.2;

3 Further information in Section 2.5.2;

4Current RAL list is available at

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/drinking/; 5Audit reports available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/audits/;

6Drinking Water Monitoring results and water supply details for each year

since 2000 for each county is available at http://erc.epa.ie/safer/resourcelisting.jsp?oID=10206&username=EPA%20Drinking%20Water.; 7Served by a supply in County Roscommon

46

AN GHNÍOMHAIREACHT UM CHAOMHNÚ COMHSHAOIL Tá an Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil (GCC) freagrach as an gcomhshaol a chaomhnú agus a fheabhsú mar shócmhainn luachmhar do mhuintir na hÉireann. Táimid tiomanta do dhaoine agus don chomhshaol a chosaint ó éifeachtaí díobhálacha na radaíochta agus an truaillithe.

Is féidir obair na Gníomhaireachta a roinnt ina trí phríomhréimse:Rialú: Déanaimid córais éifeachtacha rialaithe agus comhlíonta comhshaoil a chur i bhfeidhm chun torthaí maithe comhshaoil a sholáthar agus chun díriú orthu siúd nach gcloíonn leis na córais sin.

Eolas: Soláthraímid sonraí, faisnéis agus measúnú comhshaoil atá ar ardchaighdeán, spriocdhírithe agus tráthúil chun bonn eolais a chur faoin gcinnteoireacht ar gach leibhéal.

Tacaíocht: Bímid ag saothrú i gcomhar le grúpaí eile chun tacú le comhshaol atá glan, táirgiúil agus cosanta go maith, agus le hiompar a chuirfidh le comhshaol inbhuanaithe.

Ár bhFreagrachtaí

Ceadúnú• Déanaimid na gníomhaíochtaí seo a leanas a rialú ionas

nach ndéanann siad dochar do shláinte an phobail ná don chomhshaol:

• saoráidí dramhaíola (m.sh. láithreáin líonta talún, loisceoirí, stáisiúin aistrithe dramhaíola);

• gníomhaíochtaí tionsclaíocha ar scála mór (m.sh. déantúsaíocht cógaisíochta, déantúsaíocht stroighne, stáisiúin chumhachta);

• an diantalmhaíocht (m.sh. muca, éanlaith);• úsáid shrianta agus scaoileadh rialaithe Orgánach

Géinmhodhnaithe (OGM);• foinsí radaíochta ianúcháin (m.sh. trealamh x-gha agus

radaiteiripe, foinsí tionsclaíocha);• áiseanna móra stórála peitril;• scardadh dramhuisce;• gníomhaíochtaí dumpála ar farraige.

Forfheidhmiú Náisiúnta i leith Cúrsaí Comhshaoil• Clár náisiúnta iniúchtaí agus cigireachtaí a dhéanamh gach

bliain ar shaoráidí a bhfuil ceadúnas ón nGníomhaireacht acu.• Maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar fhreagrachtaí cosanta

comhshaoil na n-údarás áitiúil.• Caighdeán an uisce óil, arna sholáthar ag soláthraithe uisce

phoiblí, a mhaoirsiú.• Obair le húdaráis áitiúla agus le gníomhaireachtaí eile

chun dul i ngleic le coireanna comhshaoil trí chomhordú a dhéanamh ar líonra forfheidhmiúcháin náisiúnta, trí dhíriú ar chiontóirí, agus trí mhaoirsiú a dhéanamh ar leasúchán.

• Cur i bhfeidhm rialachán ar nós na Rialachán um Dhramhthrealamh Leictreach agus Leictreonach (DTLL), um Shrian ar Shubstaintí Guaiseacha agus na Rialachán um rialú ar shubstaintí a ídíonn an ciseal ózóin.

• An dlí a chur orthu siúd a bhriseann dlí an chomhshaoil agus a dhéanann dochar don chomhshaol.

Bainistíocht Uisce• Monatóireacht agus tuairisciú a dhéanamh ar cháilíocht

aibhneacha, lochanna, uiscí idirchriosacha agus cósta na hÉireann, agus screamhuiscí; leibhéil uisce agus sruthanna aibhneacha a thomhas.

• Comhordú náisiúnta agus maoirsiú a dhéanamh ar an gCreat-Treoir Uisce.

• Monatóireacht agus tuairisciú a dhéanamh ar Cháilíocht an Uisce Snámha.

Monatóireacht, Anailís agus Tuairisciú ar an gComhshaol • Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar cháilíocht an aeir agus Treoir an

AE maidir le hAer Glan don Eoraip (CAFÉ) a chur chun feidhme.• Tuairisciú neamhspleách le cabhrú le cinnteoireacht an rialtais

náisiúnta agus na n-údarás áitiúil (m.sh. tuairisciú tréimhsiúil ar staid Chomhshaol na hÉireann agus Tuarascálacha ar Tháscairí).

Rialú Astaíochtaí na nGás Ceaptha Teasa in Éirinn• Fardail agus réamh-mheastacháin na hÉireann maidir le gáis

cheaptha teasa a ullmhú.• An Treoir maidir le Trádáil Astaíochtaí a chur chun feidhme i

gcomhair breis agus 100 de na táirgeoirí dé-ocsaíde carbóin is mó in Éirinn

Taighde agus Forbairt Comhshaoil • Taighde comhshaoil a chistiú chun brúnna a shainaithint, bonn

eolais a chur faoi bheartais, agus réitigh a sholáthar i réimsí na haeráide, an uisce agus na hinbhuanaitheachta.

Measúnacht Straitéiseach Timpeallachta • Measúnacht a dhéanamh ar thionchar pleananna agus clár

beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol in Éirinn (m.sh. mórphleananna forbartha).

Cosaint Raideolaíoch• Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar leibhéil radaíochta, measúnacht

a dhéanamh ar nochtadh mhuintir na hÉireann don radaíocht ianúcháin.

• Cabhrú le pleananna náisiúnta a fhorbairt le haghaidh éigeandálaí ag eascairt as taismí núicléacha.

• Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar fhorbairtí thar lear a bhaineann le saoráidí núicléacha agus leis an tsábháilteacht raideolaíochta.

• Sainseirbhísí cosanta ar an radaíocht a sholáthar, nó maoirsiú a dhéanamh ar sholáthar na seirbhísí sin.

Treoir, Faisnéis Inrochtana agus Oideachas• Comhairle agus treoir a chur ar fáil d’earnáil na tionsclaíochta

agus don phobal maidir le hábhair a bhaineann le caomhnú an chomhshaoil agus leis an gcosaint raideolaíoch.

• Faisnéis thráthúil ar an gcomhshaol ar a bhfuil fáil éasca a chur ar fáil chun rannpháirtíocht an phobail a spreagadh sa chinnteoireacht i ndáil leis an gcomhshaol (m.sh. Timpeall an Tí, léarscáileanna radóin).

• Comhairle a chur ar fáil don Rialtas maidir le hábhair a bhaineann leis an tsábháilteacht raideolaíoch agus le cúrsaí práinnfhreagartha.

• Plean Náisiúnta Bainistíochta Dramhaíola Guaisí a fhorbairt chun dramhaíl ghuaiseach a chosc agus a bhainistiú.

Múscailt Feasachta agus Athrú Iompraíochta• Feasacht chomhshaoil níos fearr a ghiniúint agus dul i bhfeidhm

ar athrú iompraíochta dearfach trí thacú le gnóthais, le pobail agus le teaghlaigh a bheith níos éifeachtúla ar acmhainní.

• Tástáil le haghaidh radóin a chur chun cinn i dtithe agus in ionaid oibre, agus gníomhartha leasúcháin a spreagadh nuair is gá.

Bainistíocht agus struchtúr na Gníomhaireachta um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil

Tá an ghníomhaíocht á bainistiú ag Bord lánaimseartha, ar a bhfuil Ard-Stiúrthóir agus cúigear Stiúrthóirí. Déantar an obair ar fud cúig cinn d’Oifigí:• An Oifig Aeráide, Ceadúnaithe agus Úsáide Acmhainní• An Oifig Forfheidhmithe i leith cúrsaí Comhshaoil• An Oifig um Measúnú Comhshaoil• An Oifig um Cosaint Raideolaíoch• An Oifig Cumarsáide agus Seirbhísí CorparáideachaTá Coiste Comhairleach ag an nGníomhaireacht le cabhrú léi. Tá dáréag comhaltaí air agus tagann siad le chéile go rialta le plé a dhéanamh ar ábhair imní agus le comhairle a chur ar an mBord.

Headquarters, PO Box 3000Johnstown Castle EstateCounty Wexford, Ireland

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Regional InspectorateMcCumiskey House, RichviewClonskeagh Road, Dublin 14, Ireland

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Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Inis CaraContae Chorcaí, Éire

T:+353 21 487 5540F:+353 21 487 5545

Regional InspectorateJohn Moore Road, CastlebarCounty Mayo, Ireland

Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Bóthar Sheán de MórdhaCaisleán an Bharraigh, Contae Mhaigh Eo, Éire

T:+353 94 904 8400F:+353 94 902 1934

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Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Lóiste Sevilla,Bóthar Challainn, Cill Chainnigh, Éire

T:+353 56 779 6700F:+353 56 779 6798

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Cigireacht Réigiúnach, An GleannMuineachán, Éire

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